Improving the preservation of pancreatic islets for diabetes treatment
Engineering optimization and scaling enables high quality pancreatic islet cryopreservation for banking and transplant
This study is looking at a new way to freeze and store pancreatic islets, which are important for diabetes treatment, so that they can be kept safe for future transplants and help more people in need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the preservation of pancreatic islets, which are crucial for treating diabetes through transplantation. The team aims to develop a method for cryopreserving islets, allowing them to be stored and used later for transplants. By utilizing a technique called vitrification, which avoids ice formation during freezing, the researchers hope to maintain the viability and function of islets. This approach could potentially increase the availability of islets for patients in need of transplants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who may benefit from pancreatic islet transplantation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for islet transplantation or those with other forms of diabetes management may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the outcomes of pancreatic islet transplants for diabetes patients, potentially leading to insulin independence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in cryopreservation techniques, but this specific approach using vitrification is relatively novel and untested in this context.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finger, Erik Brian — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Finger, Erik Brian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.