Biomimetic hybrid scaffold of electrospun silk fibroin and pancreatic decellularized extracellular matrix for islet survival

Islet transplantation is considered as one of the promising treatment options for curing diabetes. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is destroyed during the process of islet isolation and extraction, which leads to decreased islet activityin vitro. ECM-based biomaterials which used to reconstruct the microenvironment of cells have been applied in various fields. In this study, an electrospinning hybrid scaffolds with silk fibroin (SF) and pig pancreatic decellularized extracellular matrix (P-dECM) have been prepared to mimic the islet ECMin vivo.Furthermore, the activity and function of islet were evaluatedin vitro. The microstructures, hydrophilia and the main components of scaffolds were characterized by SEM, contact angle analysis and immunohistochemical experiment. The toxicity of stents was assessed by MTT assay. Cell activity and function were estimated by the live-dead cell staining, immunofluorescence, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay and q-PCR. A nanofiber scaffold with good hydrophilicity, non-toxic and retention of key ECM components has been obtained, which can improve the survival and promote and function of islets. This scaffold can be a promising candidate for pancreatic tissue engineering and provides a new strategy for islet transplantation.

Automated summary

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for diabetes, but the destruction of ECM during the isolation process can lead to decreased islet activity. In this study, a nanofiber scaffold made of silk fibroin and pig pancreatic decellularized ECM was designed to mimic the islet ECM and improve islet survival and function. The scaffold showed good hydrophilicity, non-toxicity, and retention of key ECM components, making it a potential candidate for pancreatic tissue engineering and islet transplantation.