A research team led by Professor Tian Jian from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Wuhan University (WHU) has made a significant breakthrough in oral insulin sustained-release delivery. Their findings, published in Matter, are titled Efficient Oral Insulin Delivery with Sustained Release by Folate-Conjugated Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles.

A diagram demonstrating the principles of oral insulin sustained-release delivery.

The team developed a highly efficient oral insulin nanoparticle delivery system (I@F-P NPs) based on metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. By functionalizing acid-resistant MOF nanoparticles (PCN-777) with folic acid (FA), the system enhances the selective absorption of insulin in diabetic animals and precisely controls its release, enabling long-lasting blood sugar regulation.  

Experiments show that this system can effectively control blood glucose levels for up to 48 hours, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and achieving a bioavailability of 35.5 percent.  

The study's primary author is Zou Junjie, a 2023 PhD graduate of WHU's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with Professor Tian Jian as the corresponding author. This research offers a new approach to oral insulin delivery, improving treatment for diabetes patients.  

Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2024.101948