Microfluidic Technology for Evaluating and Preserving Islet Function for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose of Review Over the years, microfluidics has become a mature technology, providing as an excellent platform for islet study. This review covers recent advances and developments of microfluidic systems for evaluating and preserving islet function for cell-based therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D), as well as selected articles published over the past 3 years. Recent Findings Novel microfluidic devices integrated with advanced imaging and biosensor technologies allow live-cell monitoring of multiple metabolic components, which are highly involved in islet function but previously directly undetectable in classic procedures. Additionally, considerable progress in the development of microfluidic systems for studying aggregated pseudo-islets and encapsulated islets show great potential of using microfluidics for biomanufacturing of islet biologics for cell replacement therapy in T1D. Summary Although still in the proof-of-concept stage, microfluidic technology has shown numerous advantages over traditional methodology on multi-parameter characterization of not only isolated pancreatic islets but also new emerging islet-like cell biologics for basic, translational, and clinical applications.