Breakthrough in 3D Bioprinting: Human Islets Developed for Type 1 Diabetes

In a significant advancement in diabetes treatment, an international team of scientists has successfully developed functional human islets using 3D printing technology. This innovative approach, presented at the ESOT Congress 2025, holds the promise of more effective and less invasive options for individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The research focused on creating human islets, which are clusters of insulin-producing cells located in the pancreas. The team utilized a specialized bioink composed of alginate and decellularized human pancreatic tissue, resulting in durable islet structures that maintained viability and functionality for up to three weeks. These structures demonstrated robust insulin responses to glucose, indicating their potential for future clinical application.

Current methods of islet transplantation typically involve infusing them into the liver, a process that often leads to significant cell loss and limited long-term success. In contrast, the 3D-printed islets can be implanted just beneath the skin, requiring only local anesthesia and a small incision, thereby offering a safer and more comfortable option for patients.

Dr. Quentin Perrier, the lead author of the study, explained that the objective was to replicate the natural pancreatic environment to enhance the survival and function of transplanted cells. The team devised a unique bioink that emulates the pancreatic support structure, providing essential oxygen and nutrients for the islets to thrive.

To ensure the delicate nature of the human islets was preserved during the printing process, the researchers refined the printing settings, utilizing low pressure and a slow printing speed. This technique minimized physical stress on the islets, allowing them to retain their natural shape, a challenge that had previously hindered similar bioprinting efforts.

Laboratory evaluations revealed that the bioprinted islets exhibited an impressive cell survival rate exceeding 90%. Furthermore, they demonstrated superior responsiveness to glucose compared to traditional islet preparations, releasing increased amounts of insulin when necessary. By the end of the three-week period, the bioprinted islets showed enhanced capabilities in sensing and responding to blood sugar levels, a critical indicator of their potential effectiveness post-implantation.

Additionally, the 3D-printed structures featured a porous design that improved the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the embedded islets. This architecture not only contributed to cell health but also promoted vascularization, both crucial factors for the longevity and functionality of the islets after transplantation.

This study is notable for being one of the first to utilize actual human islets rather than animal cells in the bioprinting process, and the findings are considered highly encouraging. This advancement signifies a step closer to developing an off-the-shelf treatment for diabetes, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections.

The research team is currently conducting tests on the bioprinted constructs in animal models and examining long-term storage possibilities, such as cryopreservation, to facilitate widespread availability of the therapy. They are also exploring adaptations of the method for alternative sources of insulin-producing cells to address donor shortages, including islets derived from stem cells and xeno-islets from pigs.

While further work is necessary, this new bioprinting technique represents a pivotal advancement toward personalized and implantable treatments for diabetes. If validated through clinical trials, it could significantly alter the treatment landscape and enhance the quality of life for millions globally.