Microfluidics-generated pancreatic islet microfibers for enhanced immunoprotection
Abstract(#br)Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising method for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, transplanted islets can be destroyed due to host immune reactions. To immunologically protect transplanted islets, here an immunoprotective microfiber including islets by using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic device is newly designed. A cylindrical-flow channel in the microfluidic platform is used for producing collagen-alginate composite (CAC) fibers. This enables mass production and uniform diameter distribution (\u003c250 μm) without protruding islets.