title: An overview on the development of a bio-artificial pancreas as a treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
abstract: This paper presents the concept and most of the research undertaken all over the world for the development of a bio-artificial pancreas (BAP) device over the last 30 years. The devices studied, meant to mimic the insulin secretion of the natural organ, were diverse and have been reviewed. Allogeneic or xenogeneic cells or cell clusters have been separated from the host's immune system by synthetic biocompatible semipermeable membranes to prevent the need, of the host, for immune-suppressing regimens. The biocompatible polymer used as a barrier and its intrinsic characteristics, the cell immobilization or suspension media, the existence or not of co-immobilized molecules or cells, the number of devices used and the implantation site, were addressed.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Engenharia Biológica e Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana Isabel
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: António Norton
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: de Matos
authors.forename: I Gabrielle
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Brons
authors.forename: Marília
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mateus
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000464:Alginates / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D021522:Bioartificial Organs; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000601:surgery*; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000378:metabolism; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D019397:Pancreas, Artificial; D011107:Polylysine / Q000009:adverse effects; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011107:Polylysine; C030841:XM-50 Amicon; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride