Bioartificial Organs I: Silica Gel Encapsulated Pancreatic Islets for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

The primary objective of this work is to evaluate the potential of silica gel encapsulated pancreatic islets of Langerhans, or islet tissue, as a means by which insulin secretory capacity might be restored to individuals with insulin dependent, type 1, diabetes mellitus. The encapsulation material under investigation is comprised of sol-gel derived silica ceramic that hardens under conditions of pH, salinity, and temperature that are not harmful to living cells and organisms. Preliminary efficacy has been demonstrated by measurement of insulin secretory response of silica gel encapsulated pancreatic isletsin vitro and blood sugar levels of nonobese diabetic micein vivo.