Novel Hormonal Delivery Method Using the Ink-Jet Technology: Application to Pulmonary Insulin Therapies

Abstract Background: A device developed based on ink-jet printer technology can precisely control the size and volume of droplets ejected. Here, we evaluated the application of this technology to the pulmonary administration of insulin mist as a therapeutic measure for diabetes. Methods: Insulin ejected from the ink-jet device was initially characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Its effects on d-glucose uptake rate by L6 cells were then investigated. Next, different insulin solutions (with or without additives or ink-jet processing) were subcutaneously administered, and their pharmacodynamic features were evaluated. Finally, decreases in plasma glucose level in rats were examined after ventilator-assisted pulmonary administration of insulin mist. Results: Neither the HPLC nor the mass spectrometry profile of insulin was altered by the ink-jet process. The d-glucose uptake rate by L6 cells that received the recovered aerosolized insulin solution was similar to...