Encapsulation of beta-pancreatic cells in a hydrogel based on alginate and graphene oxide with high potential application in the diabetes treatment

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. Current therapies, including islet transplantation suffer instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction, nutrition and oxygen supply deficiency. Graphene oxide (GO) has shown to promote proliferation of different cells and alginate-based scaffolds are alternatives for beta-pancreatic cell functional improvement. We developed an alginate-GO based hydrogel that allows encapsulation and supporting beta-pancreatic cell survival. Physicochemical analysis revealed that a high GO concentration contributed to the morphological and chemical modification of the polymer matrix. Further analysis showed that alginate-GO hydrogel presented a more compact structure, less swelling, and lower degradation rate at high GO concentrations. Mechanical analysis revealed similar behaviour to that of the pancreas. Biocompatibility analysis demonstrated a relative increase in viability, proliferation, and cellular respiration due to GO content. 25 µg/mL alginate-GO hydrogel is a potential candidate for cell encapsulation and in vitro studies suggest a low cytotoxic effect in pancreatic cells, and enhanced functional behaviour, which may be favourable for diabetes treatment. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].