Microscale cell encapsulation materials and fabrication techniques for type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where pancreatic beta cells, the only insulin-producing cells, are attacked and destroyed by a patient's own immune system. Currently, insulin injection or infusion remains the only standard treatment for T1D. However, insulin does not cure this disease nor does it permit minute-to-minute regulation as pancreatic beta cells do. This can lead to various hyper/hypoglycemia-associated complications. Islet transplantation provides a potential alternative therapy and has been successfully used to treat patients. However, the severe shortage of donor organs and the life-long immunosuppression that are required by such a transplant have prevented this approach from being widely used. Recently, transplantation of encapsulated or immunoprotected islets or stem cellderived beta-like cells has become an increasingly promising approach. In order to accomplish the encapsulation and immunoprotection, a variety of materials and microscale techniques have been developed. This chapter provides a brief overview of the different methods developed to fabricate microscale encapsulation materials and devices. We conclude that although challenging, fabrication and material innovation may one day make the cell encapsulation a clinical reality for T1D patients.