Scientists created a living miniature pancreas that senses blood sugar and releases insulin completely automatically.
Is it time to ditch daily insulin injections? Scientists are testing a tiny device containing living cells capable of producing insulin inside the body when needed!
Researchers at MIT have developed an implantable device containing pancreatic islet cells that can produce insulin in response to glucose. The amazing thing is that the device keeps the cells safe from attack by the immune system, while still allowing them to function and secrete insulin to help regulate blood sugar.
But the implanted cells need oxygen, so the scientists added a small system to the device that extracts oxygen from the body's water vapor, giving the cells a viable environment.
In animal trials, the implanted cells remained viable and functional for at least 90 days, producing enough insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Most excitingly, the device is wirelessly powered by an external antenna placed on the skin, allowing the oxygen-generation system to operate without a traditional implanted battery.
This technology is still in the animal testing phase and cannot currently be considered an insulin replacement. Researchers are focused on extending the device's lifespan before considering future human trials.
Source: MIT News, "An implantable device with living pancreatic islet cells and a wireless oxygen-generation system for diabetes treatment"
#Information #DidYouKnow #Innovations #Discoveries #AroundTheWorld