- Islet microencapsulation is a cutting-edge biomedical technique designed to enhance cell-based therapies for diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes.
- This approach involves isolating pancreatic islets (clusters of insulin-producing beta cells) from a donor pancreas and enclosing them within semi-permeable, biocompatible materials to form microscopic capsules.
- The technique offers a groundbreaking way to address the challenges of immune rejection and long-term islet viability, making it a promising tool in diabetes management.
- The primary aim of islet microencapsulation is to protect transplanted islets from the recipient’s immune system without requiring lifelong immunosuppressive drugs, which often carry significant side effects. The encapsulating material serves as a physical barrier, preventing immune cells and antibodies from attacking the islets, while still allowing the free exchange of essential molecules such as oxygen, nutrients, and insulin.
