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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Human Pancreatic Islet Isolation: Part I: Digestion and Collection of Pancreatic Tissue
Published on: May 26, 2009
Microbial surveillance during human pancreatic islet isolation
Pascal Bucher1, Jose Oberholzer, Domenico Bosco
1Laboratory for Cell Isolation and Transplantation, Clinic for Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. bucher@hcuge.ch
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate microbiological contamination rate during human pancreatic islet isolation. Between 1996 and 2002, pancreas preservation media and post-purification islet preparations were screened for microbiological contamination. After arrival in the laboratory, pancreata were washed prior to enzyme perfusion with either Hank's balanced salt solution (Group I, n = 170, 1996 to 2001) or decontaminated with polyvidonum-iodine, cefazoline, and amphotericine B (Group II, n = 45, 2001 to 2002). Microbiological contamination of preservation media was observed in 56% and 84% for Groups I and II, respectively. Analysis of contaminants revealed 74% Gram-positive, 21% Gram-negative bacteria and 5% fungi. Duration of transport had an influence on the rate of contamination (P < 0.05). After islet isolation, Group I presented microbial contamination of 16 islet preparations (9.4%) [i.e. Gram-positive bacteria (n = 10), Gram-negative bacteria (n = 4), and fungi (n = 2)]. In Group II, only 2 islet preparations (4.4%) presented microbial contamination. Microbial contamination during pancreas procurement occurs frequently. Most microorganisms are eliminated during islet isolation, and de novo contaminations during islet isolation are rare. Pancreas decontamination reduces the risk of infection of the final islet preparation.
Insights
Microbiological contamination is frequent during human pancreas procurement for islet isolation. Pancreas decontamination significantly reduces the risk of contamination in the final islet preparation, ensuring safer cell transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell isolation techniques
Background:
- Human pancreatic islet isolation is critical for treating type 1 diabetes.
- Microbiological contamination poses a significant risk to islet graft viability and patient safety.
- Understanding contamination sources and rates is essential for improving islet isolation protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of microbiological contamination during human pancreatic islet isolation.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a decontamination protocol on reducing contamination rates.
- To identify common contaminants and factors influencing contamination.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pancreas preservation media and post-purification islet preparations for microbial contamination (1996-2002).
- Comparison of two groups: Group I (n=170) using standard Hank's balanced salt solution, and Group II (n=45) treated with polyvidonum-iodine, cefazoline, and amphotericine B.
- Microbiological screening included bacterial and fungal cultures.
Main Results:
- Microbiological contamination of preservation media was high in both groups (56% Group I, 84% Group II).
- Common contaminants included Gram-positive bacteria (74%), Gram-negative bacteria (21%), and fungi (5%).
- The decontamination protocol (Group II) significantly reduced islet preparation contamination (4.4%) compared to Group I (9.4%).
Conclusions:
- Microbial contamination during pancreas procurement is a frequent occurrence.
- Most microorganisms are cleared during the islet isolation process.
- Pancreas decontamination effectively reduces the risk of microbial contamination in the final islet preparation.
