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Generation of Tissue Spheroids via a 3D Printed Stamp-Like Device
Published on: October 6, 2022
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Maturation of Pancreatic Spheroids within Macroencapsulation Devices to Tissue-Like Structures by a 3D-Printed
Gokula Nathan Kasinathan1, Arghyadip Bose1, Subha Narayan Rath1
1Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|January 20, 2026
Summary
Developing advanced encapsulation membranes and bioreactors improves islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes. This pre-transplant conditioning platform enhances islet viability and function, crucial for successful diabetes treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes faces challenges like immune rejection and cell damage.
- Effective pre-transplant conditioning is vital for islet survival and function post-transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel encapsulation membranes (eCA and ePTFE) and a 3D-printed bioreactor system for islet pre-transplant conditioning.
- To assess the biocompatibility, encapsulation efficiency, and functional capacity of islets within these devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of electrospun hydrophilic cellulose acetate (eCA) and hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes with nano-topographical surfaces.
- In vitro testing for protein adsorption, macrophage activation, encapsulation efficiency, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) using MIN6 spheroids.
- 14-day dynamic culture of encapsulated MIN6 spheroids in a 3D-printed bioreactor with continuous flow.
Main Results:
- Both eCA and ePTFE membranes effectively inhibited macrophage adhesion.
- eCA-encapsulated cells demonstrated superior insulin secretion compared to ePTFE, indicating better nutrient transfer.
- Encapsulated islets in eCA devices within the bioreactor showed high viability (98% by day 14) and formed tissue-like structures with ECM deposition.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioreactor system serves as an effective pre-transplantation conditioning platform for rehabilitating encapsulated islets.
- Hydrophilic cellulose acetate membranes show promise for islet encapsulation due to enhanced nutrient transport and cell viability.
- This approach holds potential for improving outcomes in islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes.
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