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3D Printed Vascularized Device for Subcutaneous Transplantation of Human Islets
Author(s) -
Farina Marco,
Ballerini Andrea,
Fraga Daniel W.,
Nicolov Eugenia,
Hogan Matthew,
Demarchi Danilo,
Scaglione Francesco,
Sabek Omaima M.,
Horner Philip,
Thekkedath Usha,
Gaber Osama A.,
Grattoni Alessandro
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.144
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1860-7314
pISSN - 1860-6768
DOI - 10.1002/biot.201700169
Subject(s) - transplantation , islet , immunosuppression , pancreatic islets , cell encapsulation , microbiology and biotechnology , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , insulin , medicine , immunology , endocrinology , biology
Transplantation of pancreatic islets or stem cell derived insulin secreting cells is an attractive treatment strategy for diabetes. However, islet transplantation is associated with several challenges including function‐loss associated with dispersion and limited vascularization as well as the need for continuous immunosuppression. To overcome these limitations, here we present a novel 3D printed and functionalized encapsulation system for subcutaneous engraftment of islets or islet like cells. The devices were 3D printed with polylactic acid and the surfaces treated and patterned to increase the hydrophilicity, cell attachment, and proliferation. Surface treated encapsulation systems were implanted with growth factor enriched platelet gel, which helped to create a vascularized environment before loading human islets. The device protected the encapsulated islets from acute hypoxia and kept them functional. The adaptability of the encapsulation system was demonstrated by refilling some of the experimental groups transcutaneously with additional islets.