Islet cell transplantation represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the management of diabetes. Nevertheless, the immune rejection and suboptimal survival rates of transplanted cells hinder its broader applications. In this study, we developed a distinctive vascularized artificial islet by incorporating a microvascular network with hydrogel microcarriers that encapsulate islet cells. This endeavor aimed to create a biomimetic artificial islet model, proposing a novel solution for diabetes treatment. The cover story draws inspiration from "Jingwei Filling the Sea", an ancient Chinese myth in which the goddess Jingwei persistently throws stones into the ocean. This parallels the function of biomimetic artificial islets, which consistently release insulin into the recipient following transplantation to treat diabetes effectively.

Biomimetic artificial islet model with vascularized microcapsule structures for durable glycemic control

DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad47ce