Glucose-responsive microgels with a core-shell structure

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2008 Nov 15;327(2):316-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2008.08.039. Epub 2008 Aug 28.

Abstract

New multiresponsive core-shell microgels have been synthesized, with a thermoresponsive core and a glucose-responsive shell, made respectively of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and pNIPAM-co-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (pNIPAM-co-APBA). The structure of the particles was elucidated by means of dynamic light scattering. Their thermal properties were investigated and compared to those of the core alone. Without glucose, the hydrophobic shell prevented the core from swelling in a certain temperature range where the shell was shown to be collapsed. This core compression vanished upon glucose addition, when the shell became hydrophilic and swelled. Therefore, the extent of core swelling was regulated by two processes: its own internal stimulus, i.e. temperature, and shell compression, which is proportional to glucose concentration, even at physiological salinity. The concept was applied to a selected chemical composition. Core-shell microgels with a response to glucose at physiological pH were obtained and used to encapsulate insulin. Insulin release was shown to be regulated by the presence of glucose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / chemical synthesis
  • Acrylamides / chemistry
  • Acrylic Resins
  • Boronic Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Boronic Acids / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Gels / chemical synthesis*
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Gels / metabolism
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Kinetics
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Phase Transition
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Acrylic Resins
  • Boronic Acids
  • Gels
  • Insulin
  • Polymers
  • poly-N-isopropylacrylamide
  • Glucose
  • benzeneboronic acid