Economic 3D-printing approach for transplantation of human stem cell-derived β-like cells

Biofabrication. 2016 Dec 1;9(1):015002. doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/9/1/015002.

Abstract

Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) differentiated into insulin-producing β cells is a regenerative medicine approach being investigated for diabetes cell replacement therapy. This report presents a multifaceted transplantation strategy that combines differentiation into stem cell-derived β (SC-β) cells with 3D printing. By modulating the parameters of a low-cost 3D printer, we created a macroporous device composed of polylactic acid (PLA) that houses SC-β cell clusters within a degradable fibrin gel. Using finite element modeling of cellular oxygen diffusion-consumption and an in vitro culture system that allows for culture of devices at physiological oxygen levels, we identified cluster sizes that avoid severe hypoxia within 3D-printed devices and developed a microwell-based technique for resizing clusters within this range. Upon transplantation into mice, SC-β cell-embedded 3D-printed devices function for 12 weeks, are retrievable, and maintain structural integrity. Here, we demonstrate a novel 3D-printing approach that advances the use of differentiated hPSC for regenerative medicine applications and serves as a platform for future transplantation strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Glucose / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry
  • Insulin / genetics
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / cytology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / drug effects
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / transplantation
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Insulin
  • Polyesters
  • poly(lactide)
  • Glucose
  • Oxygen