Materials for Diabetes Therapeutics

• Published in: Advanced healthcare materials 2012-05, Vol.1 (3), p.267-284
• Main Authors: Bratlie, Kaitlin M., York, Roger L., Invernale, Michael A., Langer, Robert, Anderson, Daniel G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; alginate hydrogels; artificial pancreases; Biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Delayed-Action Preparations - administration & dosage; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; Detection; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - therapy; electrochemical and optical glucose sensors; Equipment Design; Glucose; glucose responsive polymers; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents - administration & dosage; Infusion Pumps, Implantable; Insulin; Insulin - administration & dosage; islet encapsulations; Pancreas; Pancreas, Artificial; Patients; Sensors
• ISSN: 2192-2640; 2192-2659
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201200037

This review is focused on the materials and methods used to fabricate closed‐loop systems for type 1 diabetes therapy. Herein, we give a brief overview of current methods used for patient care and discuss two types of possible treatments and the materials used for these therapies–(i) artificial pancreases, comprised of insulin producing cells embedded in a polymeric biomaterial, and (ii) totally synthetic pancreases formulated by integrating continuous glucose monitors with controlled insulin release through degradable polymers and glucose‐responsive polymer systems. Both the artificial and the completely synthetic pancreas have two major design requirements: the device must be both biocompatible and be permeable to small molecules and proteins, such as insulin. Several polymers and fabrication methods of artificial pancreases are discussed: microencapsulation, conformal coatings, and planar sheets. We also review the two components of a completely synthetic pancreas. Several types of glucose sensing systems (including materials used for electrochemical, optical, and chemical sensing platforms) are discussed, in addition to various polymer‐based release systems (including ethylene‐vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, and phenylboronic acid containing hydrogels). Given the worldwide increase in the prevalence of diabetes, we review therapeutics such as pancreatic islet cell encapsulation methods, biocompatible materials, polymer‐based smart materials for controlled insulin release, electrochemical and optical glucose sensing, and closed and open loop approaches for the treatment of diabetic patients. We also discuss the main challenges and future directions for this field.