Challenges and advances in nanoparticle-based oral insulin delivery

Abstract

For many decades, rigorous efforts have been made worldwide to develop a successful oral insulin-delivery system, which still remains an elusive goal. However, over the past few years, tremendous understanding has evolved in the development of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, synthesis of nanopeptide delivery systems, bicompatibility and its cellular uptake mechanisms. With these advancements, efforts are being directed toward nanoparticle-based oral peptide-delivery systems. It is established that nanoparticles enhance oral bioavailability by facilitating insulin uptake via a transcellular or paracellular pathway. In this process, the particle also reaches the systemic circulation. Hence, biocompatibility and the half-life of the particles in the systemic circulation is an important aspect that needs to be looked into. In this review, the various approaches adopted for nanoparticle-based oral insulin delivery, uptake mechanisms, biocompatibility and bioavailability of the nanoparticle are discussed.

Keywords::

• bioavailability
• biocompatibility
• diabetes
• intestinal uptake
• nanoparticle
• oral insulin

Acknowledgements

The authors express their sincere thanks to the Director of SCTIMST and the Head of BMT Wing for the facilities provided. The authors are also thankful for the financial support from Facilities for Micro/Nanoparticles based Advanced Drug Delivery Systems (FADDS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, India.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have recieved financial support from Facilities for Micro/Nanoparticles based Advanced Drug Delivery Systems (FADDS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, India. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.