Core-Shell Microneedle Gel for Self-Regulated Insulin Delivery.

Wang, Jinqiang; Ye, Yanqi; Yu, Jicheng; Kahkoska, Anna R; Zhang, Xudong; Wang, Chao; Sun, Wujin; Corder, Ria D et al. · ACS Nano · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A bioinspired glucose-responsive insulin delivery system for self-regulation of blood glucose levels is desirable for improving health and quality of life outcomes for patients with type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. Here we describe a painless core-shell microneedle array patch consisting of degradable cross-linked gel for smart insulin delivery with rapid responsiveness and excellent biocompatibility. This gel-based device can partially dissociate and subsequently release insulin when triggered by hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) generated during the oxidation of glucose by a glucose-specific enzyme covalently attached inside the gel. Importantly, the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-responsive microneedles are coated with a thin-layer embedding H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-scavenging enzyme, thus mimicking the complementary function of enzymes in peroxisomes to protect normal tissues from injury caused by oxidative stress. Utilizing a chemically induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, we demonstrated that this smart insulin patch with a bioresponsive core and protective shell could effectively regulate the blood glucose levels within a normal range with improved biocompatibility.

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