Development, Characterization, and Assessment of a Tissue-Engineered Prevascularized Pancreatic Islet Encapsulation Device

Abstract

Islet transplantation for the purpose of treating insulin-dependent diabetes is currently limited by several factors, most significantly, islet survival post transplantation. In the following dissertation, a tissue-engineered prevascularized pancreatic encapsulating device (PPED) was designed, developed, and evaluated. Microvessel fragments placed within a 3-dimensional collagen-based matrix produce and secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, and inosculate with the host circulation. Isolated islets placed within collagen gels exhibited four-fold more insulin release in response to glucose stimulation than islets in tissue culture. The insulin released by β-cells in islets encapsulated in collagen exhibited unobstructed diffusion within the collagen gels. Subsequent studies evaluated the ability to create a sandwich comprised of two layers of prevascularized collagen gels around a central collagen gel containing islets. In vitro characterization of the islets within these constructs showed that islets are functional and respond to glucose stimulation. The PPEDs were implanted subcutaneously into SCID mice. Islet survival was assessed after 7, 14, and 28 days. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the implants to detect insulin and the presence of intraislet endothelial cells. At all time points, insulin was localized in association with intact and partially dissociated islets. Moreover, cells that exhibited insulin staining were co-localized with intraislet endothelial cells. Lastly, dextran-perfused PPEDs showed host perfusion throughout the implant, including perfusion to structures that are morphologically consistent with pancreatic islets. These data indicate that the PPED enhances islet survival by supporting islet viability, by maintaining intraislet endothelial cells, and by enhancing reperfusion to the islets.