Diffusion Profile of Human Insulin Through Polycarbonate Membrane

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion of human insulin through polycarbonate membrane, a common mechanical support used in cell culture studies. The pore size of the polycarbonate membranes, the presence of collagen on the surface of the membrane, and the pH of the medium affected the diffusion of insulin through the membrane. Minimum diffusion occured at pH near the isoelectric point of insulin (5.3). The larger the pore size of the polycarbonate membrane the higher the amount diffused. The transfer rate of insulin was slower when membranes were coated with collagen.