Ultrasound Insulin Delivery

Nov-23-13 A new device that lets diabetic sufferers ‘inject’ their insulin with ultrasound could provide a pleasant alternative to the daily, multiple injections.

The technique involves using ultrasound pulses to inject insulin-filled nanoparticles just under the patient’s skin. The nanoparticles would have either a positively charged or negatively charged coating, which would allow them to attach to each other instead of spreading throughout the body. As the insulin slowly seeped through the porous nanoparticles, the electrostatic force will also keep it from spreading.

A hand-held ultrasound device is used to release the insulin into the bloodstream when the person is ready for a dose. The device is used externally, and is held just above the site of the nano-network to deliver focused waves of ultrasound to the particles. The team believes the waves excite tiny gas bubbles in the tissue, temporarily disrupting the force holding the particles together and thus allowing the insulin to be released into the bloodstream.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY]

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