An unnatural amino acid modified human insulin derivative for visual monitoring of insulin aggregation

Insulin often forms toxic fibrils during production and transportation, which are deposited as amyloids at repeated injection sites in diabetic patients. Distinguishing early fibrils from non-fibrillated insulin is difficult. Herein, we introduce a chemically modified human insulin derivative with a distinct visual colour transition upon aggregation, facilitating insulin quality assessment. We have developed an innovative approach that offers visual self-monitoring of insulin quality and may provide consumers the freedom to self-investigate their insulin dosage quality right before usage.

Automated summary

Insulin can form toxic fibrils during production and transportation, which can cause amyloid deposits at injection sites in diabetic patients. It is challenging to distinguish early fibrils from non-fibrillated insulin. This study introduces a modified insulin derivative with a visible color change upon aggregation, allowing for easy assessment of insulin quality.