In order for the beta cells to operate naturally, the glucose levels should be increased and decreased in a cyclic manner. The beta cells and the liver compliment each other, but that relationship has not been recreated in a lab setting. Researchers need the ability to work with the beta cells for longer periods of time, keeping them alive and functioning at their optimal level. Currently, the state of the art for maintaining and imaging the cells involves a constant concentration of glucose. The beta cells can be sustained for a short period of time using this method, but they do not operate as well as they do in the body. This technique does not mimic the body’s sinusoidal glucose conditions in vitro as closely as it should and therefore limits how far the research can go.

The Solution

Increasing cell viability will help researchers on several fronts. To begin, the amount of time an experiment can be run will be lengthened as man power is no longer necessary to keep the cells in fresh solution. This will enable scientists to track single cells and their abnormalities over time. Figure Two is an example of a colony of cells. Scientists will track those cells over time and look for changes.

Figure 2 The above picture shows how researchers study colonies of cells. They are able to compare the abnormal cells in the picture to those who have been unaffected by treatment.

Secondly, a perfusion system will more closely mimic the conditions in the body. In vivo, glucose concentration levels in the blood are varied cyclically by the liver. A perfusion system, which has the ability to switch between different source media, gives scientists the ability to experiment with different concentrations so they might find the ideal concentration. In addition, the cyclic level of glucose will improve the cells’ sensitivity to the glucose. It is shown that when cells sit in a constant concentration of glucose they become less sensitive to glucose changes. The system will over come this phenomena and keep the cells out of this diabetic state.

Thirdly, the perfusion system adds mechanical stimulation to the cells. We hope that this motion might force the cells to think they are still inside the body. This will increase the amount of time the cells can be kept alive when outside of the body.

As far as current cell culture etiquette goes, cells are placed in pools of liquid and allowed to stay in the same pools for hours to days at a time. This allows for a build up of insulin, a substance secreted by the cells themselves, in the media surrounding the cells that can adversely affect their wellbeing. The perfusion system, which replaces the fluid at set intervals, will help to over come this problem as well.

Aside from research opportunities, the system could also be used someday to help keep beta cells alive before transplantation, the only current cure for diabetes. The procedure, though in its infancy, is promising; the system could increase the time prior to implantation from a few hours to days, or even longer!