Amphiphilic gels with controlled mesh dimensions for insulin delivery

A series of amphiphilic networks, poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-1-polyisobutylene, with different hydrophilic to hydrophobic ratios were synthesized and thin-walled tubular membranes were prepared. The molecular weight cut-off ranges and the insulin and glucose diffusion coefficients and permeabilities were determined. Our results show a direct correlation between the M_{c,hydrophilic} and the permeability of the membrane. According to these studies, M_{c,hydrophilic} is the significant parameter that correlates with permeability, allowing selection of the appropriate membrane for development of a bioartificial pancreas.