Comparing BRIN-BD11 culture producing insulin using different type of microcarriers

Method Protocols for Metabolic and Functional Analysis of the BRIN-BD11 β-Cell Line: A Preclinical Model for Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, prolonged dysregulation of signalling and β-cell metabolic control leads to β-cell dysfunction, and is increasingly associated with abnormal metabolic states which disrupt normal cellular physiology. Utilization of appropriate β-cell models enables a systematic approach to understand the impact of perturbations to the biological system. The BRIN-BD11 β-cell line is a useful, pre-clinical cell model for β-cell dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes, among other metabolic disorders. The present chapter describes detection and analysis of β-cell dysfunction with respect to changes in bioenergetics and metabolism, generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and acute and chronic insulin secretion in the BRIN-BD11 cell line.

Three-Dimensional Bioreactor Technologies for the Cocultivation of Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Beta Cells

Diabetes is a prominent health problem caused by the failure of pancreatic beta cells. One therapeutic approach is the transplantation of functional beta cells, but it is difficult to generate sufficient beta cells in vitro and to ensure these cells remain viable at the transplantation site. Beta cells suffer from hypoxia, undergo apoptosis, or are attacked by the host immune system. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) can improve the functionality and survival of beta cells in vivo and in vitro due to direct cell contact or the secretion of trophic factors. Current cocultivation concepts with beta cells are simple and cannot exploit the favorable properties of hMSCs. Beta cells need a three-dimensional (3D) environment to function correctly, and the cocultivation setup is therefore more complex. This review discusses 3D cultivation forms (aggregates, capsules, and carriers) for hMSCs and beta cells and strategies for large-scale cultivation. We have determined process parameters that must be balanced and considered for the cocultivation of hMSCs and beta cells, and we present several bioreactor setups that are suitable for such an innovative cocultivation approach. Bioprocess engineering of the cocultivation processes is necessary to achieve successful beta cell therapy.