An Amphiphilic Double‐Brush Polymer Hydrogel for Sustained Release of Small Molecules and Biologics: Insulin Delivering‐Hydrogel to Control Hyperglycemia

Abstract Diabetic patients need to take multiple insulin injections in a day to achieve efficient glycemic control. However, repeated injections can cause pain and discomfort for patients. Therefore, we have developed an amphiphilic double‐brush polymer‐based hydrogel (DBP‐hydrogel) that can encapsulate insulin and can be injected subcutaneously. Additionally, we have demonstrated the robust nature of DBP‐hydrogel by encapsulating small molecular drugs and large biological agents. Using a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, we have demonstrated that a single injection of the insulin‐loaded hydrogel can efficiently control hyperglycemia for 24 hours, whereas 5 repeated injections of free‐insulin (commercial formulations) are required to achieve a similar level of glycemic control. This novel DBP‐hydrogel can stabilize encapsulated insulin without losing its activity for at least 90 days, which may have a huge impact in avoiding cold chain supply. Furthermore, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that newly developed DBP‐hydrogel is highly biocompatible and does not cause immune response and inflammation.