Red Blood Cells for Glucose‐Responsive Insulin Delivery

• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201606617
• Publication Date: 2017-03-07T13:53:59Z
• Authors: Chao Wang; Yanqi Ye; Wujin Sun; Jicheng Yu; Jingqiang Wang; David S. Lawrence; John B. Buse; Zhen Gu
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Erythrocytes; Glucose; Insulin; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 3. Good health

Glucose‐responsive delivery of insulin mimicking the function of pancreatic β‐cells to achieve meticulous control of blood glucose (BG) would revolutionize diabetes care. Here the authors report the development of a new glucose‐responsive insulin delivery system based on the potential interaction between the glucose derivative‐modified insulin (Glc‐Insulin) and glucose transporters on erythrocytes (or red blood cells, RBCs) membrane. After being conjugated with the glucosamine, insulin can efficiently bind to RBC membranes. The binding is reversible in the setting of hyperglycemia, resulting in fast release of insulin and subsequent drop of BG level in vivo. The delivery vehicle can be further simplified utilizing injectable polymeric nanocarriers coated with RBC membrane and loaded with Glc‐Insulin. The described work is the first demonstration of utilizing RBC membrane to achieve smart insulin delivery with fast responsiveness.