A thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogel for controlled release of insulin

Abstract

Present study aims at synthesizing a thermosensitive hydrogel for controlled release of insulin. According to a modified method, hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) hydrogel possessed thermal sensitivity is prepared which can form hydrogel at over 25 degrees C. The HBC hydrogel is non-cytotoxic to mice fibroblasts cells (L929). Insulin is 100% entrapped in the hydrogel, 38% of which is released in vitro from the concentration of 5% hydrogel after 48 h, whereas by enzymolysis with lysozyme, 80% of the total insulin is released after 48 h. This study suggests that HBC hydrogel could be utilized for controlled release of insulin in a non-invasive manner.