An immune regulatory 3D-printed alginate-pectin construct for immunoisolation of insulin producing β-cells

Glucotoxicity in Insulin-Producing β-Cells

Reprogramming human gallbladder cells into insulin-producing β-like cells

The gallbladder and cystic duct (GBCs) are parts of the extrahepatic biliary tree and share a common developmental origin with the ventral pancreas. Here, we report on the very first genetic reprogramming of patient-derived human GBCs to β-like cells for potential autologous cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes. We developed a robust method for large-scale expansion of human GBCs ex viv...

Alginate-based microcapsules for immunoisolation of pancreatic islets.

Transplantation of microencapsulated cells is proposed as a therapy for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases since it allows for transplantation of endocrine cells in the absence of undesired immunosuppression. The technology is based on the principle that foreign cells are protected from the host immune system by an artificial membrane. In spite of the simplicity of the concept, progres...

Accumulation of cadmium in insulin-producing β cells

Evidence suggests that chronic low level cadmium exposure impairs the function of insulin-producing β cells and may be associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Herein, we describe the cadmium content in primary human islets and define the uptake kinetics and effects of environmentally relevant cadmium concentrations in cultured β cells. The average cadmium content in islets from 10 non-diabeti...

Factors influencing the mechanical stability of alginate beads applicable for immunoisolation of mammalian cells.

Transplantation of microencapsulated cells has been proposed as a cure for many types of endocrine disorders. Alginate-based microcapsules have been used in many of the feasibility studied addressing cure of the endocrine disorders, and different cancer types. Despite years of intensive research it is still not completely understood which factors have to be controlled and documented for achievi...