Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, have collaborated on a groundbreaking technique for treating type 1 diabetes: an implantable device that secretes insulin without the need for immunosuppression.
Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the approach provides a less invasive and long-term alternative to insulin injections or traditional transplants.
The project was led by Minglin Ma, a professor of biological and environmental engineering at Cornell, who has been working on improving diabetes management for over a decade.
In 2017, Ma introduced a removable polymer thread containing islet cells, encased in a hydrogel coating, for implantation in a patient’s abdomen.
These islets could release insulin in response to low blood sugar levels while receiving essential nutrients and oxygen, effectively controlling blood sugar in diabetic mice for up to six months.
This innovation caught the attention of James Shapiro at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, who had developed a method for placing islets under a person’s skin channels, protected by immunosuppression.
The collaboration resulted in a novel system known as SHEATH (Subcutaneous Host-Enabled Alginate THread).
The procedure involves a two-step process. Nylon catheters are initially inserted under the skin, allowing blood vessels to form around them.
After four to six weeks, the catheters are removed, creating a pocket of space where the islet devices, approximately 10 centimeters long, can be placed.
Importantly, this approach avoids the need for immunosuppression and can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
While there are still challenges to address for long-term clinical use, Ma is optimistic about the device’s potential. Future versions may last for two to five years before replacement is necessary.
The key challenge lies in maintaining the functionality of islet cells within the device over an extended period. The device design aims to maximize the exchange of nutrients and oxygen, but additional support may be required to ensure long-term performance.
This innovative approach offers new hope for individuals with type 1 diabetes, providing a more convenient and effective way to manage the condition.
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The research findings can be found in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
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