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Encapsulated Cell Technology for the Delivery of Biologics to the Mouse Eye
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Oxygen supply to encapsulated therapeutic cells
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Encapsulated therapeutic cells offer disease treatment without immunosuppression, but oxygen supply remains a challenge. Recent advancements in oxygen delivery strategies indicate readiness for clinical trials in diabetes treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Encapsulation Technology
Background:
- Therapeutic cell encapsulation in immunobarrier devices shows promise for treating diseases without immunosuppression.
- Limited oxygen supply to encapsulated tissues is a critical barrier to their viability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key issues in developing encapsulated therapeutic cell devices, focusing on diabetes treatment with encapsulated islets.
- To explore strategies for enhancing oxygen transport to encapsulated tissues.
Main Methods:
- Review of device designs, materials, tissue supply, immune protection, and cell viability maintenance.
- Analysis of methods to improve oxygen supply, including diffusion distance manipulation, material permeability, neovascularization induction, and increasing local oxygen concentration.
Main Results:
- Various strategies have been investigated to improve transplanted tissue survival and oxygenation.
- Recent developments in increasing oxygen concentration adjacent to encapsulated tissues are particularly promising.
Conclusions:
- Addressing oxygen supply limitations is crucial for the success of encapsulated therapeutic cells.
- The field is nearing clinical applicability for treating diabetes with encapsulated cells, owing to progress in oxygenation strategies.
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