RECELLULARIZATION: GROWING PANCREATIC BETA CELLS ON Leaf SCAFFOLDS
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Tissue engineering seeks to overcome the donor organ shortage for diabetes treatment. We present a novel approach using decellularized plant scaffolds as a biological matrix for cultivating pancreatic beta cells. Spinach leaves were decellularized to create 3D cellulose scaffolds featuring a natural, perfusable vascular network. Upon seeding with insulin producing beta cells, these plant-based structures supported robust cell growth and, crucially, restored glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The plant's intrinsic vascular design enabled efficient nutrient delivery, addressing a key challenge in engineering thick tissues. This work demonstrates that recellularized plant scaffolds provide a pro-functionality niche for beta cells, offering a scalable, inexpensive, and ethically favorable platform for regenerative medicine strategies in diabetes.
Author: Umair Masood Awan
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7105320760
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: