Abstract
Immunoisolation devices can be used to transplant cells for treating a variety of human diseases without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Transplanted cells are enclosed within a material that provides protection from the immune system while allowing adequate transport of nutrients, oxygen, waste products, and therapeutic products. There are three types of immunobarrier devices: (1) intravascular, (2) extravascular macrocapsules, and (3) microcapsules. Challenges exist which prevent the widespread applications of cell encapsulation therapies: tissue supply, effective immune protection of encapsulated cells, and maintenance of cell viability post-transplantation. This chapter discusses approaches that can be used to overcome these problems and focuses specifically on the maintenance of cell viability and function in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, including use of vascularizing membranes, in situ oxygen supply, exogenous oxygen supply, reduction of islet cell aggregate size, and manipulation of encapsulant properties. One method to enhance cell viability by increasing oxygen permeability of the encapsulating material with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) is discussed in detail, and a mathematical model is used to predict the extent of enhancement of islet viability and function.
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