MULTIPLE EMULSION-BASED SYSTEMS CARRYING INSULIN - DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION

An insulin delivery system based on liquid surfactant membranes has be en developed. The formulation was based on a w/o/w emulsion where an o rganic membrane separated two aqueous phases and the internal aqueous phase contained insulin. Sesame and cotton seed oils were used as orga nic membranes. In order to facilitate the transportation of glucose ac ross the organic membrane various additives such as calcium stearate, lecithin, cholesterol, hexamine, stearic acid and glyceryl tristearate were used. The additives were found to be successful carriers for the transportation of glucose to the internal aqueous phase. Similarly, v iscosity enhancers, e.g. cetostearyl alcohol, in the organic phase enh anced the immobilization of insulin. Various parameters affecting the stability of the emulsions were established. The developed system was characterized for insulin activity and insulin efflux profile.