Advanced Collagen-Insulin Systems for Diabetics

Diabetes is the most common disease in our world. In our country over 50.000 of people are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder generated by the pancreas inability to produce insulin in order to complete glucose metabolic process. Therefore, the life of the patients is sustained by the insulin administration. Existing methods on the market for insulin administration are not too various and there are a lots of disadvantages. Insulin glargine is a long-action, man-made version of human insulin. It replaces the insulin that is not produced by the body and helps the metabolic process of glucose. To increase insulin stability and releasing time, zinc oxide (ZnO) can be used for insulin encapsulation. Collagen is a natural protein that can be used as a support for controlled releases system because of its high biocompatibility. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a controlled released subdermal support, for diabetics patients, made of a composite material based on collagen, zinc oxide and insulin. Obtained matrices were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, optical and scanning electronic microscopy, water up-take, degradation in collagenase solution. The results showed that the combination between collagen, ZnO and insulin could be suitable active supports for subdermal support with controlled delivery of insulin for diabetics.