Insulin-Responsive Glucagon Microneedle Patch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucagon delivery systems for managing diabetes are limited by lag in glucose feedback and biofouling, leading to challenges in rapidly responding to changes in blood insulin levels and causing pain, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
Innovation Solution
Development of a non-covalent conjugate composition comprising a polymer-insulin conjugate and an insulin aptamer-glucagon conjugate, integrated into a microneedle array that releases glucagon in response to insulin levels, forming a hydrogel matrix for controlled delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional glucagon delivery systems are used, then glucagon can be delivered to raise blood glucose levels, but there is a lag in glucose feedback and the system cannot rapidly respond to changes in blood insulin levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where an insulin sensor continuously monitors blood insulin levels and automatically triggers glucagon release when hypoglycemia is detected. The sensor provides real-time feedback on glucose levels, and the system responds by releasing glucagon to raise blood glucose, creating a reliable automatic feedback mechanism that eliminates the lag present in traditional delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of blood glucose levels. The integrated sensor continuously detects glucose levels without external intervention, and the glucagon is automatically released in response to detected hypoglycemia, enabling the system to serve itself without requiring manual monitoring or injection by the patient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If frequent insulin dosing and boluses are administered through injection or subcutaneous infusion, then glycemic control is improved, but the risk of hypoglycemia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents hypoglycemia by detecting rising insulin levels and dropping glucose levels before severe hypoglycemia occurs. The continuous monitoring allows the system to take preliminary action by releasing glucagon at the first signs of hypoglycemia, counteracting the harmful effect before it fully develops and causing behavioral or cognitive disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors blood glucose levels and automatically adjusts glucagon release to maintain stable glycemic control. When the sensor detects glucose levels dropping below the threshold, the system responds by releasing glucagon, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, thereby stabilizing blood glucose without the need for frequent manual dosing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electronic/mechanical insulin delivery devices with continuous glucose monitoring are used, then blood glucose control is improved, but lag in glucose feedback and biofouling limit further clinical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing the insulin sensor and glucagon release mechanism directly at the site of action (subcutaneous tissue), eliminating the need for complex external electronic devices and tubing. This integrated implantable system reduces biofouling issues by minimizing external connections and uses the local physiological environment to trigger and deliver the therapeutic response, improving feedback reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional injection methods are used for glucagon delivery, then glucagon can be administered, but the process causes pain and is not suitable for long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by implanting the glucagon delivery device and loading it with glucagon before it is needed. The device is pre-positioned and primed to automatically release glucagon when hypoglycemia occurs, eliminating the need for painful injections at the moment of need. The implantation is done once, and subsequent glucagon delivery is automatic and painless.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device provides self-service by automatically monitoring glucose levels and releasing glucagon without requiring patient intervention. Once implanted, the device independently performs all monitoring and delivery functions, eliminating the need for repeated painful injections and making long-term management comfortable and convenient for patients.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents hypoglycemia by releasing glucagon in response to elevated insulin concentrations, reducing the risk of severe episodes and providing a painless, long-term solution for diabetes management.
Implementation Method 1
the insulin aptamer can selectively bind to the insulin or bioactive derivative thereof
Implementation Method 2
forming a non-covalent conjugate between (a) and (b)... forming a hydrogel matrix for controlled delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising an insulin-polymer conjugate and an insulin aptamer-glucagon conjugate is described. Depending upon the amount of insulin in the environment surrounding the composition, the insulin aptamer of the insulin aptamer-glucagon conjugate can bind to insulin in the insulin-polymer conjugate to form a non-covalent conjugate. When the amount of insulin in the surrounding environment rises, the insulin aptamer-glucagon conjugate can be released. Thus, the composition can be used to deliver glucagon in an insulin responsive manner. The composition can be loaded into microneedles, for example, to prepare microneedle arrays for skin patches. Methods of delivering glucagon to a subject are also described.