Investigating Islet Immunoisolation Parameters Using Microfabricated Membranes

Abstract

AbstractThe immunoisolation of xenogeneic hormone-secreting cells is a promising therapy for a wide variety of diseases including diabetes, Parkinson's, and hemophilia. By utilizing microfabrication technology, silicon biocapsules can be fabricated with membranes having precisely controlled and uniform pore sizes, allowing one to optimize parameters specifically for the encapsulation of specific hormone-secreting cell types. This study investigates immunoisolation parameters using microfabricated silicon-based membranes, with uniform membrane pore sizes in the tens of nanometer range. The permeability of IgG was studied in microfabricated biocapsules with various pore sized membranes. In addition, immunoisolative characteristics were monitored by assessing viability and functionality of islets within biocapsules.