Nanoparticles have demonstrated significant advancements in potential oral delivery of insulin. In this publication, we review the current status of polymeric, inorganic and solid-lipid nanoparticles designed for oral administration of insulin. Firstly, the structure and physiological function of insulin are examined. Then, the efficiency and shortcomings of insulin nanoparticle are discussed. These include the susceptibility to digestive enzyme degradation, instability in the acidic pH environment, poor mucus diffusion and inadequate permeation through the gastrointestinal epithelium. In order to optimise the nanocarriers, the following considerations, including polymer nature, surface charge, size, polydispersity index and morphology of nanoparticles, have to be taken into account. Some novel designs such as chitosan-based glucose-responsive nanoparticles, layer by layer technique-based nanoparticles and zwitterion nanoparticles are being adopted to overcome the physiological challenges. The review ends with some future directions and challenges to be addressed for the success of oral delivery of insulin-loaded nanoparticle formulation.

纳米颗粒在潜在的口服胰岛素递送方面已显示出显着的进步。在本出版物中，我们回顾了设计用于口服胰岛素的聚合物，无机和固体脂质纳米颗粒的当前状态。首先，检查胰岛素的结构和生理功能。然后，讨论了胰岛素纳米颗粒的功效和不足。这些包括对消化酶降解的敏感性，在酸性pH环境中的不稳定性，不良的粘液扩散以及通过胃肠道上皮的不充分渗透。为了优化纳米载体，必须考虑以下因素，包括聚合物性质，表面电荷，尺寸，多分散指数和纳米颗粒的形态。一些新颖的设计，例如基于壳聚糖的葡萄糖反应性纳米粒子，基于逐层技术的纳米粒子和两性离子纳米粒子正被用来克服生理挑战。审查以成功口服装载胰岛素的纳米颗粒制剂的成功解决了一些未来的方向和挑战。