3D: Biomaterials for Islet Cell Therapy - From Innovation to Commercialization

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Room: Hanover AB

Description

This session will explore cutting-edge biomaterials that advance islet and beta cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes by addressing cell manufacturing, immune rejection, hypoxia, inflammation, engraftment, vascularization, and retrievability. Biomaterial strategies include immunomodulatory materials, encapsulation systems, and scaffolds that enhance cell survival, function, and transplantation outcomes. Discussion will cover the path to commercialization, including regulatory considerations, translational hurdles, and emerging market opportunities.

Moderators:

Edward Phleps
Associate Professor
J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering

Jessica Weaver
Principal Invesitgator
Arizona State University

Alan Chiu
Research Scientist
Breakthrough T1D

  • 8:30 AM. 124. Kinetics of immune responses toward macroencapsulated allogeneic insulin secreting cell grafts in leading transplant sites.Tuhfah Abdallah, MS1, Tanush Varma1, , Matthew Becker, PhD1, Jessica Weaver, Ph.D.1 1Arizona State University

  • 9:15 AM. 127. Discovering Core Immunobiology in Indirect Rejection of Encapsulated Islet Grafts for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment.Victor Quiroz, B.A.1, Alexandra Gorham, B.A.1, Joshua Doloff, Ph.D.1 1Johns Hopkins University

  • Dual-Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery to Pancreatic β Cells.Di Yu1, Yining Zhu, PhD1, Leonardo Cheng1, Gene Weng1, Arturo Roca-Rivada, PhD2, Decio Eizirik, PhD2, Hai-Quan Mao, PhD1 1Johns Hopkins University, 2Université Libre de Bruxelles