Thinking hydrogels: Toward automatic insulin without electronic pumps

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect millions of people worldwide, many of whom rely on electronic systems to administer insulin. Although automated pumps and glucose sensors have improved glycemic control, the need for human intervention and the risk of dosing errors remain critical challenges.

A team of researchers from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Ecuador has developed an innovative mathematical model that simulates the operation of a chemo-fluidic oscillator — a conceptual device that, without electronic sensors, could detect changes in glucose levels and autonomously release insulin.

From Chemistry to Intelligent Control

At the heart of the study lies a computational model based on hydrogels that respond to chemical stimuli, capable of expanding or contracting according to glucose concentration.

These materials, widely used in biomedical applications, can act as natural sensors, eliminating the need for electronic components.

To simulate their behavior, the team applied the Euler–Taylor–Galerkin numerical method, a technique that combines the advantages of both the finite element and finite difference methods. The model describes how the hydrogel length varies with glucose levels, how fluid flows through the microfluidic channel, and how insulin could be released at the precise point.

In addition to evaluating the accuracy and stability of the method compared with other computational approaches (such as the finite volume or finite difference methods), the researchers conducted a sensitivity analysis, confirming that their mathematical system remains robust under perturbations in physiological parameters such as temperature or initial glucose concentration.

Simulation with Clinical Impact

Although the physical device has not yet been built, the model represents a step forward in the design of more autonomous and biocompatible technologies for diabetes treatment. Unlike current systems that require sensors, batteries, and manual calibration, the chemo-fluidic oscillator would operate solely through the body’s own chemistry—without wires, electronics, or external intervention.

The model’s results show that the system can detect glucose thresholds, adapt the hydrogel’s length, and thereby regulate the flow of a drug such as insulin in an intelligent manner. Moreover, the proposal considers the possibility of miniaturizing the design, incorporating real-time monitoring capabilities through mobile apps or touch interfaces, enabling its use even in resource-limited settings.

This research represents a significant advance in the use of mathematical modeling to address complex health problems, integrating numerical tools with knowledge from physics, chemistry, and biology. From ESPOL, this work offers an innovative vision for imagining future medical technologies that are more autonomous, accessible, and aligned with the real needs of people living with diabetes.