Islet Hydrogel Embedding
Islet Hydrogel Embedding - Related Videos
09:09
Pancreatic Islet Embedding for Paraffin Sections
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Cited by 14 •
2018
Ex vivo pancreatic islet studies are important for diabetes research. Existing techniques to study cultured islets in their native 3-dimensional architecture are time consuming, inefficient, and infrequently used. This work describes a new, simple, and efficient method for generating high-quality paraffin sections of whole cultured islets.
06:38
Methods for Embedding Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Reactions in Macro-Scale Hydrogels
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2023
Here, we present two protocols for embedding cell-free protein synthesis reactions in macro-scale hydrogel matrices without the need for an external liquid phase.
07:35
High-Throughput Contractile Measurements of Hydrogel-Embedded Intact Mouse Muscle Fibers Using an Optics-Based System
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Cited by 2 •
2023
Skeletal muscle function can be assessed by quantifying the contractility of isolated muscle fibers, traditionally using laborious, low-throughput approaches. Here, we describe an optics-based, high-throughput method to quantify the contractility of hydrogel-embedded muscle fibers. This approach has applications for drug screening and therapeutic development.
08:32
Surgical Perfusion and Isolation of the Porcine Pancreas for Islet Isolation
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Cited by 1 •
2024
This protocol provides a step-by-step guide for the procurement of a porcine pancreas for islet isolation and purification.
07:21
Pancreatic Islets Isolation through Collagenase Perfusion: An Enzymatic Method to Isolate Pancreatic Islet Cells
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2023
Pancreatic islets, also called the Islets of Langerhans, are a cluster of endocrine cells which produces hormones for glucose regulation and other important biological functions. This protocol explains a method for isolating pancreatic islets by first perfusing collagenase via Ampulla of Vater to digest the exocrine pancreatic tissue and a simplified density gradient centrifugation to purify the islets from mice.
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Its hydrated, three-dimensional network provides structural support while retaining access to essential small molecules. Oxygen, nutrients, and glucose can diffuse through the crosslinked material to reach the islets, limiting the isolation that could otherwise compromise cell survival. At the same time, secreted insulin can move outward, allowing the embedded tissue to remain functionally connected to its surroundings.
The matrix can act as a physical interface between islets and their surrounding environment. Depending on the design, it may reduce direct exposure of the cells to immune attack while still permitting diffusion of glucose, oxygen, nutrients, and insulin. This balance is important because stronger protection must remain compatible with the transport needed for endocrine function.
The embedded islets can receive glucose through the hydrated polymer network and release insulin through the same diffusional environment. This arrangement supports communication between the islet cells and their surroundings rather than simply storing the cells in place. Consequently, glucose-responsive insulin secretion can be evaluated or maintained while the hydrogel supplies structural protection.
Pancreatic islets are placed within hydrogel precursors, and those precursors are then converted into a crosslinked polymer network surrounding the cells. The resulting material holds the islets in a defined three-dimensional microenvironment. Its composition and design determine how effectively the construct combines physical support, molecular diffusion, functional access, and potential reduction of immune exposure.
Researchers can apply the approach when they need to study pancreatic islets in a controlled three-dimensional setting or develop protected endocrine tissue constructs. Supported uses include diabetes research, islet transplantation, disease modeling, and engineered endocrine tissue development. The method is relevant both for systems maintained outside the body and for designs intended to function after placement inside it.
Studies can examine whether the embedded islets remain viable, retain glucose-responsive behavior, and release insulin through the surrounding matrix. Researchers may also assess how the hydrogel's structural protection and selected immune-modulating design affect the tissue environment. These outcomes help guide the development of transplantation materials, disease models, and engineered endocrine tissues for diabetes-related research.