Researchers are exploring bio-printing human pancreatic cells as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections.
Bio-printing is an additive manufacturing technique that uses biological materials to create three-dimensional structures. In the context of diabetes, this approach has been applied to print human pancreatic islet cells, which are responsible for producing insulin.
A study published in *Advanced Healthcare Materials* describes the creation of a bio-ink composed of human pancreatic tissue and alginate, a substance derived from seaweed. This bio-ink allowed for the printing of human pancreatic islet cells, maintaining their viability, morphology, and function.
The results indicate that the bio-printed cells were more efficient than standard islet preparations in releasing insulin when exposed to glucose. Furthermore, they demonstrated a greater ability to detect and react to blood sugar levels, maintaining their structure without clumping or breaking down.
The research team is currently conducting tests with the bio-printed cells in animal models and exploring long-term storage options. These initiatives aim to make this new therapy widely available, offering an alternative to conventional type 1 diabetes treatment.