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In a significant stride toward enhancing insulin delivery for individuals battling diabetes, a team of Indian scientists has engineered a pioneering silk-based hydrogel system that emulates the functionality of the pancreas.
The groundbreaking system utilizes modified silk protein to create an exceptionally intelligent mechanism capable of sensing low insulin levels in the bloodstream and subsequently triggering its release.
Prof T. Govindaraju, leading the research at the Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit at JNCASR, Bengaluru, elucidated the objective behind the innovation, stating, “The goal was to create a system that mimics the function of the pancreas, an organ responsible for insulin production and release in the body, providing a continuous and controlled supply of insulin in response to elevated glucose levels in the body, to manage diabetes.”
This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize insulin release by offering a more efficient and responsive method, thereby addressing the challenges encountered by individuals afflicted with both Type 1 and advanced stage Type 2 diabetes.
Published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, the study showcased promising results in initial tests conducted on mice, demonstrating the system’s efficacy in delivering controlled insulin and normalizing blood sugar levels. The researchers are now poised to advance to human trials.
Beyond its application in drug delivery, the silk-based hydrogel system holds potential in diverse medical domains such as wound healing and tissue engineering for a spectrum of medical conditions, elucidated the team.
The development heralds a new era in diabetes management, offering hope to millions worldwide grappling with the complexities of the condition. As the research progresses, the transformative impact of this innovation on healthcare delivery is poised to unfold, ushering in a brighter future for diabetes management and beyond.
