Combined continuous glucose monitor and insulin delivery device using 3d-printed hydrogels

Overview

This technology combines continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin and glucagon delivery in a single integrated device. Built around hydrogel materials that function simultaneously as chemical sensors and drug delivery systems, the platform is designed to detect glucose levels and respond by releasing the appropriate therapeutic agent through microfluidic channels. The goal is a closed-loop system that reduces the burden of separate monitoring and injection for patients managing diabetes.

The approach is differentiated by the use of molecularly imprinted hydrogels and stimuli-responsive hydrogels that can be 3D printed into actuator structures for microfluidic devices. Potential delivery routes include a swallowable capsule for sustained gastrointestinal interaction, as well as less invasive mucosal, transdermal, and ocular pathways, all aimed at avoiding repeated injections.

Technical specifications

• Dual-function hydrogel architecture: A layered hydrogel structure in which the outer layer detects glucose concentration and the inner layers store insulin and glucagon for controlled release.
• Stimuli-responsive actuation: Swelling and deswelling of the hydrogel opens and closes microfluidic channels on the device surface, triggering drug release in proportion to the detected glucose level.
• 3D-printed hydrogel components: Hydrogel materials are 3D printed to form actuators compatible with microfluidic device designs, enabling integrated sensing and delivery in a compact form factor.
• Improved response time: Response time has been reduced from approximately 50 minutes to 1 minute by tuning the physical parameters of the hydrogel.
• Characterized diffusion kinetics: Drug elution has been profiled using a quartz crystal microbalance, revealing size and steric interaction limits that govern release of larger molecules through the hydrogel matrix.
• Multiple delivery routes under exploration: Swallowable capsule, mucosal membranes, transdermal, and ocular delivery are being evaluated to minimize invasiveness.

Technology readiness level

The underlying hydrogel sensor and actuator capabilities have been demonstrated at a laboratory scale, including glucose-responsive swelling and deswelling that actuates microfluidic channels and drug diffusion kinetics characterized via quartz crystal microbalance. The integrated combined sensing and delivery device, however, is at an early stage of development. Key remaining work includes building and validating the full layered capsule architecture, confirming sustained in vivo interaction, and selecting the optimal delivery route among the candidate less-invasive options.