Modulation of Physicochemical Properties of Polymers for Effective Insulin Delivery Systems

Abstract

Defect in insulin secretion or insulin action in the body leads to a chronic health disease known as diabetes mellitus (DM). Current therapy for diabetes through subcutaneous insulin administration leads to occasional hypoglycemia in patients and bolus. Non-invasive means of insulin delivery, including transdermal, ocular, buccal, oral, and nasal, are currently being explored. However, the various factors limit these new insulin delivery routes, including degradation and structure deformation of insulin due to the presence of harsh body conditions like temperature and pH. The insulin drug should reach the specific site of action at the required physiological concentration in a definite time interval. In noninvasive means of insulin delivery systems, polymers of characteristics properties are used. Natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, starch, pectin, casein, dextran, gelatin, and cyclodextrin and their derivatives are used frequently. In this chapter, we have reviewed the present status of ongoing research on the various polymers and their characteristics for insulin delivery in transdermal, oral, and nasal delivery methods.