Microencapsulated pancreatic islet cells
AssigneeDuke University
InventorEmmanuel C. Opara
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Abstract
Methods of treating and forming biocompatible microcapsules that contain living cells are provided, to improve the function of the microcapsules. In particular, methods of treating islet cells or microcapsules containing islet cells are provided. Culture of isolated islet cells prior to encapsulation, culture of encapsulated cells, and cryopreservation of islet cells prior to encapsulation, are described. Methods for harvesting viable islets that incorporates an anti-oxidant in the digestion medium are also disclosed.
Claims12
A microencapsulated islet cell product comprising microcapsules containing isolated living pancreatic islet cells therein, said microcencapsulated islet cells exhibiting a weight gain of not more than 10 percent by weight over a period of one month in physiological saline solution at 37 degrees Celsius and exhibiting at least 150 percent basal insulin secretion in response to 16.7 milliMolar glucose challenge in Krebs-Ringer physiological solution at pH 7.4 after said period of one month.
A microencapsulated islet cell product comprising microcapsules containing isolated living pancreatic islet cells therein, said microcencapsulated islet cells exhibiting a weight gain of not more than 10 percent by weight over a period of one month in physiological saline solution at 37 degrees Celsius and exhibiting at least 150 percent basal insulin secretion in response to 16.7 milliMolar glucose challenge in Krebs-Ringer physiological solution at pH 7.4 after said period of one month;
- wherein said microcapsule comprises a polysaccharide gum surrounded by a semipermeable membrane;
- and wherein said microcapsule has a diameter of from about 300 μm to about 700 μm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.