Wearable and implantable pancreas substitutes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Endocrinology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes management requires continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery.
• Current treatments involve external devices with limitations.
• A fully automated, implanted artificial or bioartificial pancreas (BAP) represents a significant therapeutic goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent technological advancements in artificial and bioartificial pancreas development.
• To assess the current feasibility and challenges in creating a lifelong-implanted, automated BAP.
• To evaluate the potential of BAP for treating type 1 diabetes and other pancreatic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on glucose sensing technologies.
• Analysis of progress in insulin pump systems and closed-loop control algorithms.
• Evaluation of cell encapsulation and tissue engineering techniques for biohybrid approaches.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in key components like glucose sensors and insulin pumps.
• Closed-loop control algorithms are advancing for mechatronic pancreas systems.
• Cell encapsulation and biocompatibility remain critical areas for bioartificial pancreases.

Conclusions:

• The realization of a lifelong-implanted, self-working artificial or bioartificial pancreas is approaching.
• Addressing challenges in component integration, power supply, and reservoir refilling is crucial for mechatronic systems.
• Further research in biohybrid approaches and overall system integration is needed to restore patient quality of life.