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An encapsulation system for the immunoisolation of pancreatic islets

Nature Biotechnology volume 15, pages 358–362 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Over a thousand combinations of polyanions and polycations were tested to search for new polymer candidates that would be suitable for encapsulation of living cells. The combination of sodium alginate, cellulose sulfate, poly (methylene-co-guanidine) hydrochloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride was most promising. In parallel, a novel multiloop chamber reactor was developed to control the time of complex formation and to negate gravitational effects such as pancreatic islet sedimentation and droplet deformation during the encapsulation process. Encapsulated rat islets demonstrated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vitro, and reversed diabetes in mice. This new capsule formulation and encapsulation system allows independent adjustments of capsule size, wall thickness, mechanical strength, and permeability, which may offer distinct advantages for immunoisolating cells.

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Author notes

  1. Taylor Wang: Corresponding author: (e-mail: wangtg@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu).

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Microgravity Research, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, Nashville, TN, 37235

    Igor Lacík, Marcela Brissová, Amrutur V. Anilkumar & Ray Green

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232

    Ales Prokop

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235

    David Hunkeler

  4. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232

    Keivan Shahrokhi & Alvin C. Powers

  5. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232

    Alvin C. Powers

Authors
  1. Taylor Wang
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  2. Igor Lacík
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  3. Marcela Brissová
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  4. Amrutur V. Anilkumar
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  5. Ales Prokop
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  7. Ray Green
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  8. Keivan Shahrokhi
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  9. Alvin C. Powers
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Wang, T., Lacík, I., Brissová, M. et al. An encapsulation system for the immunoisolation of pancreatic islets. Nat Biotechnol 15, 358–362 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0497-358

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0497-358

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