Microencapsulated pig islet xenotransplantation as an alternative treatment of diabetes

Islet transplantation is emerging as an attractive option for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, some major obstacles are needed to be overcome, including shortage of islet supply and excessive immunosuppressive therapy. Xenotransplantation of bioartificial pancreas (BAP) made of microencapsulated pig islets will effectively solve these problems. Before widespread application of this therapy, several important issues should be addressed to further improve pig islet viability and functionality, such as pig islet source, optimization of microcapsule preparation, cryopreservation of implant, selection of biocompatible material, and implant site, as well as prevention of xenoreaction and biosafety concern. It is hoped that improvements in these critical aspects will lead to wider human application of microencapsulation of pig islets.