Microencapsulated 3-dimensional sensor for the measurement of oxygen in single isolated pancreatic islets.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oxygen consumption reflects multiple processes in pancreatic islets including mechanisms contributing to insulin secretion, oxidative stress and viability, providing an important readout in studies of islet function, islet viability and drug testing. Due to the scarcity, heterogeneity, and intrinsic kinetic properties of individual islets, it would be of great benefit to detect oxygen consumption by single islets. We present a novel method we have developed to image oxygen in single islets.

Methodology/principal findings

Using a microfluidics system, individual islets and a fluorescent oxygen-sensitive dye were encased within a thin alginate polymer layer. Insulin secretion by the encapsulated islets was normal. Fluorescent signal from the encased dye, detected us

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3315556 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature