Wearable and implantable pancreas substitutes

Leonardo Ricotti, Tareq Assaf, Paolo Dario, Arianna Menciassi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

A lifelong-implanted and completely automated artificial or bioartificial pancreas (BAP) is the holy grail for type 1 diabetes treatment, and could be a definitive solution even for other severe pathologies, such as pancreatitis and pancreas cancer. Technology has made several important steps forward in the last years, providing new hope for the realization of such devices, whose feasibility is strictly connected to advances in glucose sensor technology, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal insulin pump development, the design of closed-loop control algorithms for mechatronic pancreases, as well as cell and tissue engineering and cell encapsulation for biohybrid pancreases. Furthermore, smart integration of the mentioned components and biocompatibility issues must be addressed, bearing in mind that, for mechatronic pancreases, it is most important to consider how to recharge implanted batteries and refill implanted insulin reservoirs without requiring periodic surgical interventions. This review describes recent advancements in technologies and concepts related to artificial and bioartificial pancreases, and assesses how far we are from a lifelong-implanted and self-working pancreas substitute that can fully restore the quality of life of a diabetic (or other type of) patient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-22
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Artificial Organs
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online date20 Sept 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Artificial organs
  • Artificial pancreas
  • Bioartificial pancreas
  • Diabetes management
  • Pancreas substitutes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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