Electroreleasing Composite Membranes for Delivery of Insulin and Other Biomacromolecules
Abstract
A new electroreleasing composite membrane is described. This membrane is prepared by coating a microporous Al2O3 support membrane with a thin polymer film. This composite membrane separates a solution of the molecule to be released (i.e. the target molecule) from a receiver solution. Electrorelease is accomplished by electrochemically rupturing the polymer film; this allows the solution of the target molecule to flow through the pores of the host membrane into the receiver solution. Previous electrorelease systems have entailed entrapment of the target molecule within a polymer membrane. It would be difficult to use such systems to electrorelease large bimolecules or proteins, because of the slow rate of diffusion of such large molecules in the polymer phase. The electrorelease system described here is ideally suited for electrorelease of large biomolecules and proteins. Electrorelease of insulin and vitamin B-12 is demonstrated. (kt)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA221083
Entities
People
- Charles R. Martin
- Michael J. Tierney
Organizations
- Texas A&M University