Glucose-responsive, intelligent polymeric systems were studied for insulin delivery to diabetic patients. These controlled drug delivery devices consist of cationic pH-sensitive P(DEAEM-g-EG) polymers with covalently-immobilized glucose oxidase and catalase. The systems were synthesized by the copolymerization of diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate (PEGMMA). Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was added as a crosslinking agent. Functionalized glucose oxidase and catalase were added both to achieve glucose sensitivity and to consume the generated hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The polymer samples responded to the presence of glucose, leading to the production of gluconic acid and a decrease in pH. This change in pH lead to swelling of the gels and the associated release of insulin. Contrary to other processes this cyclic behavior of the self-regulated gel was dependent only on the parameters of the polymeric samples, such as the PEG molecular weight, the PEG:DEAEM ratio, and the degree of crosslinking.

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