3D-printed human islets could lead to a more effective and less invasive treatment for type 1 diabetes.
The ‘breakthrough’ research was presented by a group of international scientists at the biennial European Society for Organ Transplantation Congress currently taking place in London.
The researchers developed a method for 3D printing human islets – insulin-producing cells held in the pancreas – using a customised bioink made from alginate and decellularised human pancreatic tissue.
The durable, high-density islet structures remained alive and functional for up to three weeks, during which time they maintained strong insulin responses to glucose, according to the researchers.
Bioprinting is a growing field focused on creating functional tissues and organs for transplantation and research. It involves building biological tissues layer-by-layer using specialised 3D printers that deposit bioinks. These bioinks contain living cells, biomaterials and other components necessary for tissue development...