Silicon nanopore membrane (SNM) for islet encapsulation and immunoisolation under convective transport.

ABSTRACT: Problems associated with islet transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) such as shortage of donor cells, use of immunosuppressive drugs remain as major challenges. Immune isolation using encapsulation may circumvent the use of immunosuppressants and prolong the longevity of transplanted islets. The encapsulating membrane must block the passage of host's immune components while providing sufficient exchange of glucose, insulin and other small molecules. We report the development and characterization of a new generation of semipermeable ultrafiltration membrane, the silicon nanopore membrane (SNM), designed with approximately 7 nm-wide slit-pores to provide middle molecule selectivity by limiting passage of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the use of convective transport with a pressur

SUBMITTER: Song S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4806308 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature