Application of Biotin-DFYIGSRGD hydrogel in the construction of an islet culture platform

Abstract

The low survival rate and compromised functionality of β cells present significant obstacles in islet transplantation for diabetes management. Recent studies indicate that the sensitivity of β cells to their microenvironment may be a contributing factor for these. In this study, Biotin-^DFYIGSRGD hydrogel (Supragel) was employed to replicate the microenvironment of mouse β cells (MIN6 cells) and human islets, for enhancing cell viability, functionality, and structural integrity. Compared with conventional two-dimensional cell culture methods utilizing cell plates, in the present method, MIN6 cells could adhere to the gel and self-organize into cell spheroids, which resulted in increased synthesis of insulin and glucagon in MIN6 cells. Furthermore, the hydrogel effectively preserved the integrity of human islets and extended their in vitro culture period. This improvement may be attributed to the optimal hardness of the gel, which facilitated cell adhesion and promoted vascularization. Additionally, the gel exhibited sustained in vivo retention over 120 days, undergoing gradual degradation without eliciting significant inflammatory responses. These properties establish it as a promising encapsulation material for pancreatic islet cells or organoids, supporting long-term cell survival, function, and integration with host tissues. The study highlights the potential of Biotin-^DFYIGSRGD hydrogel as an islet culture platform for diabetes treatment.