The controlled release of insulin-mimetic metal ions by the multifunction of chitosan.

Vanadium, which is an insulin-mimetic metal ion, was efficiently adsorbed on chitosan (CS). The adsorption of vanadium on CS was affected by the vanadium/CS ratio and the initial concentration of vanadium in preparative medium under constant pH condition. The vanadium-CS complex was able to control vanadium release. Moreover, a consistent control of vanadium release was achieved by incorporation of the vanadium-CS complex into a CS gel. After implantation of the CS gel retaining the vanadium-CS complex into diabetic mice, insulin-mimetic efficacy was confirmed by observation of a steady reduction in blood glucose levels. The sustained vanadium release also contributed to minimization of the side-effects. Thus, CS gel retaining the vanadium-CS complex appears promising as a vehicle for vanadium with long-term action and a low toxicity leading to its clinical use.