Automated Perfusion of
Beta Cells

Nicole Braun		Andrew Mueller

Abstract

To address many of the problems researchers face today when attempting to keep beta cells alive to facilitate diabetes studies, an automated perfusion system was developed to mimic in vivo conditions in vitro. This perfusion system automates the process of adding fluids to a cellular matrix and can fit into the confines of an incubator. The prototype allows researchers to increase the longevity of their work by giving them the capabilities to manage the times at which the cells will be exposed to certain solutions all the while keeping the cells at 98.6 °F. The user can control the flow rate between 5-14 and 50-700 µL/min. The system has been tested, its functionality has been verified, and has been used to conduct biological trials at the New England Medical Center. Later work will include integration with a current CCD camera data acquisition system as well as temperature and CO2 controls to more fully mimic the in vivo environment.

Background

The Problem

Diabetes is an ever growing problem stemming from the obesity and overindulgence of our society. One of the key cells involved in the progression of the disease is the beta cell located in the pancreas. Beta cells secrete insulin in response to glucose concentrations in the blood via channels in the cellular membrane. By regulating these concentrations, the liver helps maintain the body’s homeostasis. The mitochondria in the beta cells generate signals for insulin production. When the body is exposed to high levels of glucose, the mitochondria in the beta cells become less responsive to the glucose, resulting in improper insulin regulation. Diabetes is a result of this improper regulation of insulin levels. The results of these unsuitable glucose levels in beta cells can be seen in the right islet of Figure One where many of the cells have died or lost mitochondrial metabolic activity.

Figure 1 Differences between a regular islet, which is a combination of beta cells and alpha cells [8], and a diabetic islet. Diabetes is a result of the beta cells improperly regulating insulin levels.