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Review
. 2018 Winter;14(4):334-353.
doi: 10.1900/RDS.2017.14.334. Epub 2018 Mar 10.

Polymeric Scaffolds for Pancreatic Tissue Engineering: A Review

Nupur Kumar  1 , Heer Joisher  1 , Anasuya Ganguly  1
Affiliations
Review

Polymeric Scaffolds for Pancreatic Tissue Engineering: A Review

Nupur Kumar et al. Rev Diabet Stud. 2018 Winter.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of diabetes, with one in every eleven individuals worldwide suffering from this debilitating disease. As the available treatment options fail to reduce disease progression, novel avenues such as the bioartificial pancreas are being given serious consideration. In the past decade, the research focus has shifted towards the field of tissue engineering, which helps to design biological substitutes for repair and replacement of non-functional or damaged organs. Scaffolds constitute an integral part of tissue engineering; they have been shown to mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby supporting cell viability and proliferation. This review offers a novel compilation of the recent advances in polymeric scaffolds, which are used for pancreatic tissue engineering. Furthermore, in this article, the design strategies for bioartificial pancreatic constructs and their future applications in cell-based therapy are discussed.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors reported no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prevalence of diabetes worldwide
Worldwide increase in the occurrence of diabetes in the past two decades. Source: IDF Diabetes Atlas; http://www.diabetesatlas.org.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Prevalence of diabetes in India
Increasing similar to worldwide trend. Source: IDF Diabetes Atlas, http://www.diabetesatlas.org.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Fabrication techniques for scaffold preparation
Over the last two decades, various approaches have been implemented in the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering, including electro-spinning, phase-separation, solvent casting, freeze-drying, and self-assembly. The selection of the appropriate scaffolding approach depends on the scaffold requirements and tissue-specific considerations.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Advances in pancreatic tissue engineering
Various cell sources have been used for pancreatic tissue engineering, including allogeneic and xenogeneic islets (porcine and murine), mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells. Different growth factors have contributed to enhance the stability and proliferation of islet transplantation. Several scaffolding approaches have been employed to mimic the native microenvironment. Micro- and macro-encapsulation of transplanted islets has improved their overall viability and functionality.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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