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Microfluidic Technology for Evaluating and Preserving Islet Function for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes

  • Cellular Transplants (G Orlando and A Asthana, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Over the years, microfluidics has become a mature technology, providing as an excellent platform for islet study. This review covers recent advances and developments of microfluidic systems for evaluating and preserving islet function for cell-based therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D), as well as selected articles published over the past 3 years.

Recent Findings

Novel microfluidic devices integrated with advanced imaging and biosensor technologies allow live-cell monitoring of multiple metabolic components, which are highly involved in islet function but previously directly undetectable in classic procedures. Additionally, considerable progress in the development of microfluidic systems for studying aggregated pseudo-islets and encapsulated islets show great potential of using microfluidics for biomanufacturing of islet biologics for cell replacement therapy in T1D.

Summary

Although still in the proof-of-concept stage, microfluidic technology has shown numerous advantages over traditional methodology on multi-parameter characterization of not only isolated pancreatic islets but also new emerging islet-like cell biologics for basic, translational, and clinical applications.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Dr., Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Yuan Xing, Love Li, Emily Grace Fox, Yong Wang & José Oberholzer

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA

    Xiaoyu Yu & José Oberholzer

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  1. Yuan Xing
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  2. Love Li
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  3. Xiaoyu Yu
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Xing, Y., Li, L., Yu, X. et al. Microfluidic Technology for Evaluating and Preserving Islet Function for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes. Curr Transpl Rep 9, 287–296 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40472-022-00377-y

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