Macroencapsulation Device with Anti-inflammatory Membrane Modification Enhances Long-Term Viability and Function of Transplanted β Cells

Abstract

Treating type 1 diabetes (T1D) through beta-cell macroencapsulation is a promising long-term solution, but it faces challenges such as immune-mediated fibrosis on the capsule surface, which impairs cell functionality and compromises longevity and effectiveness. This study presents an approach for including an anti-inflammatory molecule on the macroencapsulation device (MED) using initiated chemical vapor deposition for the surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) membranes. The surface-modified MEDs significantly reduced fibrosis, improved beta-cell viability and functionality, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization, which is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. This MED displayed improved glycemic control in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model for 45 days. The findings underscore the potential of surface-modified MEDs for improving T1D management by mitigating inflammation and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of beta-cell encapsulation.

Treating type 1 diabetes (T1D) through β-cell macroencapsulation is a promising long-term solution, but it faces challenges such as immune-mediated fibrosis on the capsule surface, which impairs cell functionality and compromises longevity and effectiveness. This study presents an approach for including an antiinflammatory molecule on the macroencapsulation device (MED) using initiated chemical vapor deposition for the surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) membranes. The surfacemodified MEDs significantly reduced fibrosis, improved β-cell viability and functionality, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization, which is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. This MED displayed improved glycemic control in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model for 45 days. The findings underscore the potential of surface-modified MEDs for improving T1D management by mitigating inflammation and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of β-cell encapsulation.