Microneedle Delivery of Beta-Cells Avoids Host Immune Rejection

When applied to the skin, the microneedles pierced capillaries and dermal blood vessels, forming a connection between the internal environment and the external cells of the patch that enabled diffusion of insulin from the patch into the skin.

Results revealed that one microneedle patch quickly reduced the blood-sugar levels (BGLs) of chemically induced type-1 diabetic mice and stabilized BGLs at a reduced level for over 10 hours. Repeated administration of the patch did not result in excess doses of insulin and did not induce hypoglycemia. Rather, application of a second patch extended the life of the treatment to 20 hours.

“This study provides a potential solution for the tough problem of rejection, which has long plagued studies on pancreatic cell transplants for diabetes,” said senior author Dr. Zhen Gu, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of North Carolina. “Plus, it demonstrates that we can build a bridge between the physiological signals within the body and these therapeutic cells outside the body to keep glucose levels under control.”

Related Links:
University of North Carolina
North Carolina State University