3D Printed Bio-artificial Pancreas
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects more than half a million children globally, with a 7 percent mortality rate within 25 years of diagnosis. In T1D, the body does not produce insulin because pancreatic beta cells, functioning as insulin-factories, are attacked by the immune system. The objective of this X-grant is to design a 3D printed bio-artificial pancreas with a vascularized network to protect encapsulated islets. Upon completion of this project, we expect that we would have demonstrated in vivo potential of 3D printed scaffolds to stimulate rapid vascularization in a small animal model and survival of encapsulated islets for a prolonged duration with sustained insulin production. This study will build a strong foundation for future large animal studies.