Biohybrid Devices and Encapsulation Technologies for Engineering a Bioartificial Pancreas

The use of cell-based treatments in the field of metabolic organs, particularly the pancreas, has seen tremendous growth in recent years. The transplantation of islet of Langerhans cells for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has allowed for natural glycemic control for patients plagued with hypoglycemia unawareness. The transplantation of islet cells into the portal vein of the liver, however, has presented challenges to the survival of the cells due to inflammation, vascularization, the need for systemic immuno-suppression, and physical stress on the graft. New advances in the engineering of appropriate biohybrid devices and encapsulation technologies have led to promising alternatives to traditional methods.