Application of Microfluidic Biochips for Human Islet Transplantation

Abstract

In this review, we discuss the application of microfluidic devices in studying the physiology and pathophysiology of human islets and beta-cells, especially its application for human islet transplantation. Human islet transplantation is a promising therapy for Type I diabetes; however, the islet transplant outcomes for achieving complete insulin independence are far from perfect and face many challenges. This review focuses on the microfluidic devices developed in our laboratory, which can address these challenges in the field of human islet transplantation, and briefly review the design and fabrication principles of these microfluidic devices and their main application.

Islet Transplantation: How Much Have We Advanced and How to Keep Moving Forward?

“…), and the authors propose several ways to tackle this, highlighting an interesting and relatively unexplored pathway involving osteocalcin. On the other hand, Holzer et al [9] provide a concise discussion on the potential of microfluidic devices as tools to study the physiology and pathophysiology of human islets, as well as their individual cells. In this review, the authors elaborate on basic principles for device design and fabrication.…”