DIFFUSION PROFILE OF HUMAN INSULIN THROUGH POLYCARBONATE MEMBRANE

The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion of human insuli n through polycarbonate membrane, a common mechanical support used in cell culture studies. The pore size of the polycarbonate membranes, th e presence of collagen on the surface of the membrane, and the pH of t he medium affected the diffusion of insulin through the membrane. Mini mum diffusion occured at pH near the isoelectric point of insulin (5.3 ). The larger the pore size of the polycarbonate membrane the higher t he amount diffused. The transfer rate of insulin was slower when membr anes were coated with collagen.