3D Printed Human Islets for Better Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

According to the WHO, over 800 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. While type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, the causes of type 1 diabetes have not yet been fully researched. This type is an autoimmune disease that can break out suddenly. The body’s own islets can no longer produce enough insulin, as a result of which the body can no longer regulate blood sugar levels. To counteract the dramatic consequences of the failing fluctuations, those affected have to inject themselves with insulin several times a day and constantly monitor their blood sugar levels. Now, a new approach could provide a remedy: 3D printed islets made from the body’s own tissue!

International scientists have been researching a method to produce functional human islets using a 3D printing process. The results were presented last weekend at the ESOT Congress in London. Experts on site described the approach as “a turning point in diabetes care,” as the 3D printed islets represent an effective and less invasive alternative to conventional islet transplants.

People suffering from diabetes must constantly monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin injections themselves. (Image: Pixabay)

3D Printing of Human Islets

The 3D printed islets consist of a tailor-made bio-ink based on alginate and decellularized human tissue from the pancreas. The researchers succeeded in creating a dense and porous structure using the 3D printing process. This ensures an improved flow of oxygen and nutrients, which promotes cell health and has a positive effect on vascularization, essential prerequisites for proper functioning after a transplant.