A simple method using a polymethylpenten chamber for isolation of human pancreatic islets

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Biology
• Islet Isolation Techniques
• Biomaterials in Medicine

Background:

• Human islet isolation is crucial for diabetes research and transplantation.
• Existing methods, like the stainless steel chamber (SSC), are costly and complex.
• Improving islet yield, purity, and function is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel polymethylpenten chamber (PMPC) method for human islet isolation.
• To compare the efficacy of the PMPC method against the traditional SSC method.
• To assess the quality, yield, and functional capacity of islets isolated using the PMPC.

Main Methods:

• Human pancreases from cadaveric donors were processed using either the SSC or the PMPC method.
• The PMPC method utilized a two-phase digestion process with Liberase HI at 37°C without continuous heating.
• Islet purification involved filtration and discontinuous Ficoll gradients in tubes.

Main Results:

• The PMPC method demonstrated comparable digestion extent, yield, purity, and viability to the SSC method.
• A higher proportion of large islets (>150 microm) was observed with the PMPC method.
• Isolated islets exhibited excellent function, with a 13-fold stimulation index, and maintained in situ cell composition.

Conclusions:

• The PMPC method offers a simple, low-cost, and potentially disposable alternative for human islet isolation.
• This technique requires a smaller team (2 persons) and is as efficient as the SSC method.
• The PMPC method yields human islets with excellent integrity and insulin-secreting capacity.