Extracellular matrix scaffold technology for bioartificial pancreas engineering: State of the art and future challenges

Marcus Salvatori, Ravi Katari, Timil Patel, Andrea Peloso, Jon Mugweru, Kofi Owusu, Giuseppe Orlando

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Emergent technologies in regenerative medicine may soon overcome the limitations of conventional diabetes therapies. Collaborative efforts across the subfields of stem cell technology, islet encapsulation, and biomaterial carriers seek to produce a bioengineered pancreas capable of restoring endocrine function in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. These technologies rely on a robust understanding of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the supportive 3-dimensional network of proteins necessary for cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Although these functions can be partially approximated by biosynthetic carriers, novel decellularization protocols have allowed researchers to discover the advantages afforded by the native pancreatic ECM. The native ECM has proven to be an optimal platform for recellularization and whole-organ pancreas bioengineering, an exciting new field with the potential to resolve the dire shortage of transplantable organs. This review seeks to contextualize recent findings, discuss current research goals, and identify future challenges of regenerative medicine as it applies to diabetes management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-169
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Bioartificial pancreas
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Insulin
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Stem cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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