Using Dextran-encapsulated gold nanoparticles as insulin carriers to prolong insulin activity. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Kai-Chieh; Chen, Wen-Jie; Chen, Yu-Chie
• Is Part Of: Nanomedicine. Volume 12:Number 15(2017)
• Page Start: 1823
• Page End: 1834
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: dextran -- diabetes mellitus -- drug delivery -- gold nanoparticles -- insulin; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5889

Abstract

Aim: Diabetes mellitus is commonly treated with painful insulin injections. We aim to explore drug carriers that can prolong insulin activity.Materials & methods: Dextran-encapsulated gold NPs (AuNPs@Dextran) that can bind with insulin are used as insulin carriers. The affinity ( K d = ∼42 pM) between insulin and insulin receptors on the cells is much higher than that ( K d = ∼4.02 μM) of insulin and AuNPs@Dextran. Thus, insulin released from the AuNP@Dextran–insulin conjugates to maintain kinetic equilibrium and prefers to bind to the insulin receptor. The slow release of insulin from the AuNP@Dextran–insulin conjugates facilitates the lasting of insulin activity.Results & discussion: AuNP@Dextran–insulin conjugates can prolong insulin activity to 12 h, whereas free form insulin loses activity after 4 h in adipocyte cells.Conclusion: AuNPs@Dextran are suitable carriers that can prolong insulin activity.