Preparation of multi-responsive micelles for controlled release of insulin

The polymeric micelles were prepared by the copolymerization of poly (methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylamide)-macroinitiator (MePEGA) 3-acrylamide phenylboronic acid (APBA) and 2-nitrobenzyl acrylate (NBA) using a surfactant-free miniemulsion reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method. The as-prepared micelles were characterized by H-1 NMR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Due to the UV light and glucose-sensitivity of as-prepared micelles, the micelles could be used to encapsulate insulin. The insulin release properties of micelles under UV light irradiation and different glucose concentrations were investigated. The micelles exhibited relative lower cytotoxicity and excellent stability against protein solution. The loaded insulin remained the structure stability after release through CD spectra analysis. These results showed that the micelles are one of effective candidate carriers for insulin release.