Preparation and characterization of glucose-sensitive hydrogel submicron particles using inverse microemulsions

A novel inverse microemulsion mediated synthesis of glucose-sensitive hydrogel submicron particles was developed for self-regulated insulin delivery system. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram of inverse microemulsions was prepared and the effects of temperature and monomer concentrations on phase behavior were evaluated. Results showed that the reverse microemulsion existence field expands as temperature increases, but phase behavior does not change with the monomer concentration varying. Then, the glucose integration property of hydrogel beads and hydrogel submicron particles was compared in order to prove the glucose response and concentration dependent property. Results showed that the glucose sensitivity of the submicron is higher than hydrogel beads.