3D Printed Vascularized Device for Subcutaneous Transplantation of Human Islets. Issue 9 (23rd August 2017) - Farina, Marco
Abstract : 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. Abstract : A new implantable 3D printed device is fabricated with polylactic acid (PLA) to house pancreatic islets graft. The structure of the device and the addition of an angiogenic matrix within the scaffold is designed to permit a rapid and mature vasculature to the encapsulation syatem before cell implantation. Human pancreatic islet loading shows a sustained insulin secretion for months.