Microdrop Culture and Analysis of Fetal Islets

These studies are designed to evaluate the use of One Cell Systems' novel encapsulation technologyvitro growth and differentiation of immature (fetal or neonatal) pancreatic islets isolated from porThis technology provides a means for encapsulating single islets within a microdrop which then allowcultured in a stable, physically discreet, three-dimensional matrix. Using this culture system, thesuch as growth factors and extracellular matrix components on fetal islet growth and maturation willmicrodrop (GMD) culture system can be combined with flow cytometry to provide a rapid and efficientfor analysis of growth and hormone secretion using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Specific subobtained from immature glands can then be identified and recovered on the basis of a mature insulinestablishment of an in vitro system for culture and maturation of fetal or neonatal islets from commsuch as the pig or cow would facilitate further progress in islet transplantation techniques and couissues in islet development.