Development of Semi-Artificial Pancreas using Natural Polymers

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Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta-cells, resulting in the loss of these cells, hence leading to insulin deficiency. It affects over 16 million people worldwide. Diabetes can lead to stroke, kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular and nerve disease, diabetic coma, and premature mortality.Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring polyesters which are versatile biomaterials due to their ease of chemical functionalisation, bioresorbability and biocompatibility. In this project we will aim to create a semiartificial pancreas which will constitute two main components, an outer protective layer created using PHAs in their thermoplastic form and an inner compartment containing insulin producing Islets of Langerhans microencapsulated within PHA based hydrogels. The pancreatic structure will be mimicked to create a similar multi-compartment construct. Hence, overall this project will involve the development of a Bioartificial Pancreas using PHA based thermoplastics and hydrogels leading to a highly biocompatible insulin releasing medical device for the effective treatment of Type 1 diabetes.