Engineering the oxygen microenvironment for pancreatic islet transplants

npj Regenerative Medicine 2026 Open access

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Authors: Samantha Kruzshak, Flannery G. Williams, Gulden Camci‐Unal, Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis
DOI: 10.1038/s41536-026-00479-6
Cited by: 1
References: 265

Abstract

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction causes diabetes in over 400 million worldwide. Islet transplantation promises but faces donor scarcity, rejection, and hypoxic failure. β cells are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, affecting survival and function. Strategies include pre-implantation, prevascularization, genetic modifications to improve survival; biomaterial encapsulation for immune protection and nutrients; and oxygen delivery after implantation to sustain viability, advancing islet transplantation for diabetes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pancreatic function and diabetes Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research Pancreatitis Pathology and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Regenerative Medicine
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
11
Issue
1
Publication date
20 May 2026
Language
EN