Oral Delivery of Insulin by Barbed Microneedles Actuated by Intestinal Peristalsis

Injection within the gastrointestinal tract is emerging as an intriguing strategy for enhancing the oral bioavailability of biologic drugs. Recently, in Science Advances , Gao et al . reported an inflatable barbed microneedle robot actuated by intestinal peristalsis that can achieve oral insulin delivery efficacy comparable to that of subcutaneous injection in minipigs. The robot design is said to be inspired by a porcupinefish's ability to inflate and marshal its spines for defense.