A team of international scientists has achieved a major breakthrough in diabetes research by successfully 3D printing functional human islets using a novel bioink, potentially revolutionizing treatment for people with type 1 diabetes. The research, presented at the ESOT Congress 2025, demonstrates a new approach that could provide more effective and less invasive therapeutic options.
Revolutionary Bioprinting Technology
The breakthrough centers on printing human islets—the insulin-producing clusters of cells in the pancreas—using a customized bioink composed of alginate and decellularized human pancreatic tissue. This innovative approach produced durable, high-density islet structures that remained alive and functional for up to three weeks while maintaining strong insulin responses to glucose.
"Our goal was to recreate the natural environment of the pancreas so that transplanted cells would survive and function better," explained lead author Dr. Quentin Perrier. "We used a special bioink that mimics the support structure of the pancreas, giving islets the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive."
Superior Performance and Survival Rates
The bioprinted islets demonstrated remarkable viability, with over 90% cell survival rates. Significantly, they responded better to glucose than standard islet preparations, releasing more insulin when needed. By day 21, the islets showed enhanced ability to sense and react to blood sugar levels—a critical indicator of their potential effectiveness after implantation.
The constructs maintained their structural integrity without clumping or breaking down, overcoming a common obstacle that has hindered previous bioprinting approaches. The 3D-printed structures featured a porous architecture that enhanced oxygen and nutrient flow to the embedded islets, promoting cell health and vascularization—both essential for long-term survival and function after transplantation.
Minimally Invasive Implantation Approach
Traditional islet transplants typically involve infusion into the liver, a process that often results in significant cell loss and limited long-term success. The new 3D-printed islets are designed for subcutaneous implantation, requiring only local anesthesia and a small incision. This minimally invasive approach could offer patients a safer and more comfortable treatment option.
Clinical Significance and Future Potential
"This is one of the first studies to use real human islets instead of animal cells in bioprinting, and the results are incredibly promising," noted Dr. Perrier. "We're getting closer to creating an off-the-shelf treatment for diabetes that could one day eliminate the need for insulin injections."
The research represents a significant advancement in regenerative medicine approaches to diabetes treatment, potentially addressing the critical shortage of donor pancreases while providing a more accessible therapeutic option for patients with type 1 diabetes.
