Pancreatic islet microencapsulation constitutes an attractive
therapy for
type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, long-term β-cell function remains a major problem. Loss of extracellular matrix interactions during islet isolation dramatically affects β-cell viability. We have previously shown beneficial effects of
laminin (LN) in human islet cultures. Herein, we investigated whether LN could improve the outcome of
transplantation after islet microencapsulation in
Biodritin, an
alginate-based material. To test LN-
Biodritin stability,
microcapsules were subjected to different types of in vitro stress. Focusing on biocompatibility, empty
microcapsules were coincubated with the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line for up to 24 h, and empty beads were implanted IP in mice and retrieved for analyses after 7 and 30 days. Upon culturing for 48 h,
mRNA,
protein levels, and
caspase 3 activity were evaluated in islets microencapsulated with LN-
Biodritin. Mice rendered diabetic by
streptozotocin injection were transplanted with microencapsulated islets, followed by assessment of
body weight, glycemia, and graft function (evaluated by OGTT). Graft efficiency was observed upon microencapsulated islet explantation. The results obtained showed that LN-
Biodritin microcapsules were as stable and biocompatible as
Biodritin. Modulation of
mRNA and
protein levels suggested protection against apoptosis and islet stress. Mice transplanted with LN-
Biodritin microencapsulated islets presented a better outcome at 198 days postsurgery. Graft explantation led animals to
hyperglycemia. In conclusion, LN-
Biodritin constitutes a very promising
biomaterial for
islet transplantation.