Global Research Trends and Conceptual Evolution in Nanoparticle-Based Insulin Delivery: A Scientometric Analysis (2015–2024)

Diabetes mellitus remains a major global health challenge, and insulin therapy is still limited by the burden of repeated injections, adherence difficulties, and the risk of hypoglycemia. Nanoparticle-based systems have been widely investigated as strategies to improve insulin stability, absorption, and non-parenteral delivery. This study presents a scientometric analysis of global research on nanoparticle-based insulin delivery from 2015 to 2024, aiming to map publication dynamics, collaborative networks, influential sources, highly cited manuscripts, and emerging conceptual trends. A total of 730 original articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in RStudio. The analysis included annual scientific production, citation patterns, country and institutional contributions, journal concentration, author-level impact, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. Scientific output was geographically concentrated, with China leading in publication volume, followed by India and the United States, whereas the United States showed comparatively high citation density. Core journals included the International Journal of Pharmaceutics , Journal of Controlled Release , International Journal of Biological Macromolecules , and Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology . Keyword and thematic analyses indicated a progressive movement from conventional formulation-centered studies toward biologically informed and functionally responsive strategies, including mucoadhesive and mucus-penetrating systems, glucose-responsive platforms, nanoemulsions, microneedles, and biopolymer-based carriers. However, terms related to clinical trials, regulatory development, scale-up, manufacturing, cost, and commercialization were less visible, suggesting important translational gaps. Overall, this study provides a focused field-level map of nanoparticle-based insulin delivery research and highlights the need for future studies to integrate formulation innovation with standardized pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic endpoints, long-term safety, scalable manufacturing, and regulatory-oriented development.