Encapsulation of Cells in Microporous Annealed Particle Hydrogel for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment; Building Transparency in the Scientific Community

Biomedical research has been progressing at an explosive rate in recent decades. Modern technology and knowledge let us conduct research on everything from cancer therapeutics to life-saving medical diagnostic tools, to muscle regeneration treatments, to genetic modifications and engineering, and so much more. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. T1D patients can administer exogenous insulin to regulate blood glucose fluctuations, however, insulin is expensive and incapable of fully restoring glucose regulation functionalities. The global cost of medical care for diabetes in 2015 was $1.3 trillion US dollars,1 and is expected to surpass $2.1 trillion by 2030. Insulin detemir (IDet) is a commonly used treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes that lasts for only 24 hours, despite the retail price for five syringes is $146.99.2,3 This is not a cost that can be easily afforded by all people. Therefore, there is a clinical need to develop a long- term treatment for T1D that can restore endogenous insulin secretion and be afforded by all people, regardless of socioeconomic class. However, we need to be sure that we develop a treatment that not only will prove to be safe and effective but will be trusted by the targeted population.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering [Include only first major on transcripts]
Technical Advisor: Donald Griffin
STS Advisor: Richard Jacques
Capstone Team Members: Jonathan Daniel