In a significant advancement for diabetes research, an international team of scientists has successfully 3D-printed functional human islets, offering promising prospects for treating type 1 diabetes. The achievement, presented at the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Congress 2025 in London, could pave the way for more effective and less invasive therapies.
The researchers developed a novel bioink composed of alginate—a gel-like substance derived from seaweed—and decellularized human pancreatic tissue. This combination mimics the natural extracellular matrix of the pancreas, providing structural support and essential nutrients to the insulin-producing cells. The bioink’s composition was crucial in maintaining the viability and functionality of the printed islets over an extended period.
Laboratory tests demonstrated that the 3D-printed islets remained viable and functional for up to three weeks. Notably, over 90% of the cells survived the printing process and subsequent culture period. The islets exhibited strong insulin responses to glucose, outperforming standard islet preparations in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays. By day 21, the bioprinted islets showed improved sensitivity and responsiveness to blood sugar levels, indicating their potential effectiveness post-transplantation.
Traditional islet transplantation involves infusing donor islets into the liver, a procedure associated with significant cell loss and limited long-term success. In contrast, the 3D-printed islets are designed for subcutaneous implantation, requiring only a small incision and local anesthesia. This approach could offer a safer and more comfortable alternative for patients, reducing procedural risks and improving the consistency of outcomes.
To preserve the delicate structure of the islets during printing, the team optimized the bioprinting parameters by employing low pressure (30 kPa) and a slow printing speed (20 mm per minute). These adjustments minimized mechanical stress on the cells, maintaining their natural shape and function. Additionally, the printed constructs featured a porous architecture that facilitated efficient oxygen and nutrient flow, promoting cell health and vascularization—critical factors for the long-term survival and function of transplanted islets.
While the results are promising, further research is necessary before clinical application. The team is currently conducting animal studies to assess the long-term safety, immune response, and insulin regulation capacity of the bioprinted islets. They are also exploring long-term storage options, such as cryopreservation, to facilitate widespread availability of the therapy.
Lead researcher Dr. Quentin Perrier emphasized the significance of the breakthrough, stating, “This is one of the first studies to use real human islets instead of animal cells in bioprinting, and the results are incredibly promising. We’re getting closer to creating an off-the-shelf treatment for diabetes that could one day eliminate the need for insulin injections.”
The successful 3D printing of functional human islets represents a critical step toward personalized, implantable therapies for type 1 diabetes. If clinical trials confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach, it could revolutionize diabetes treatment, offering patients a more effective and less invasive alternative to current therapies.
