Phenylboronic acid-based glucose-responsive materials:synthesis and applications in insulin delivery

Glucose-sensitive materials have attracted much interest due to their potential application in diabetes treatment in recent years. Phenylboronic acid-based glucose-responsive polymers, which possess continuous glucose sensitivity and good stability, have been most widely used in self-regulated insulin delivery. This review covers the recent advances in PBA-functionalized nanogels(microgels), micelles, vesicles and nanoparticles. Synthesis and application of these nanomaterials are discussed. With the development of PBA-regulated polymers, these nanomaterials will migrate from laboratory to clinical use in the near future.