Bio-Artificial Pancreas
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the U.S. today. There are currently
23.6 million adults and children affected by the disease, with an annual growth rate of
approximately 8%. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM or Type 1 diabetes)
accounts for 5-10% of the cases. From a health care standpoint, the compounded
effects from Type 1 diabetes are physically and economically staggering.
Our ultimate objective is to correct insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in humans.
The approach is to create a bioartificial pancreas (BAP) by using a fundamentally new
polymeric device designed expressly for xeno-immunoisolation (pig into human),
whereby porcine pancreatic islet cells (PICs) are encapsulated within a novel,
selectively permeable membrane. These immunoprotective membranes must be
biocompatible, biostable, non-fouling, implantable (and removable), highly oxygen
permeable, sterilizable, soft and smooth, but mechanically robust and durable. Our
new membranes meet these demanding criteria, and can be systematically tailored to
the features necessary for a bioartificial pancreas.
The key ingredient is the engineered polymer membrane of polydimethylacrylamide/
polydimethylsiloxane, which is protected by both product and process patents, as well
as pending applications. The strength of these membranes was significantly enhanced
through development of a nanofiber reinforced network, using a new patent-pending
process. Prototype nanofiber-reinforced immunoisolation membrane-coated devices
were constructed and a series of in-vitro experiments were performed in conjunction
with the Cleveland Clinic. Preliminary experiments with pig-to-rat and pig-to-dog
implantation were conducted, with encouraging results.
Our marketable product is the technology and intellectual property to produce a
hollow, polymer tubule filled with pig pancreatic islet cells. Upon implantation into a
diabetic patient, the PICs will deliver the needed amount of insulin, so that the painful
and multiple times daily prick testing and self-injections become unnecessary. The
device containing the PIC-filled polymer tubule would be implanted
subcutaneously in the upper arm of the diabetic patient in a simple office
procedure. The polymer tubule could be easily removed and replaced, as often as
necessary to maintain proper blood sugar levels in the diabetic patient.
Faculty Inventions and
Patents at UA
Polymer science (88)
Medical (50)
Information technology (24)
Nanotechnology (23)
Advanced materials (19)
Biotechnology (7)
Chemical technology (6)
Environmental (6)
Energy (3)
Security (3)
UA Office of Technology Transfer
Kenneth Preston, Director
Susan Dollinger, Marketing Director
Goodyear Polymer Center, Suite 312
Akron, Ohio 44325-2103
Phone: 330-972-7840
Fax: 330-972-2368
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.uakron.edu/research
Research at UA
As the public research university of northern
Ohio, The University of Akron is connected to the
community and to industry, using research as the
driver for finding meaningful solutions to advance
the region.
162 – number of active UA patents
6,300,000 – 2007 licensing revenue, leading to a
statewide first place ranking in rate of return for
technology commercialization
1 – worldwide ranking in patents issued per
research dollar spent, according to a five year
study by the Milken Institute
24,800 – number of UA students, under the
tutelage of 735 full-time faculty members
16 – percentage of UA’s $51.7 million 2007
research expenditures funded by industry, the
national average is 5 percent
For more information on The University of Akron’s research, inventions, and
technology, visit www.uakron.edu/research.
About The Faculty Inventors
Dr. Joseph Kennedy is Distinguished Professor
of Polymer Science and Chemistry at The
University of Akron. Dr. Kennedy is very active
in commercialization of his research, the most
notable example being his invention of the
polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene block
copolymer (SIBS), the biocompatible polymer
coating that is used on the world’s most popular
drug-eluting cardiovascular stent, which has
been implanted in about 5 million patients
worldwide. His current research is involved
with the synthesis of novel biomaterials based
on polyisobutylene and amphiphilic graft and
co-network polymer compositions.
Dr. Miko Cakmak is Professor of Polymer
Engineering at The University of Akron. In
addition to his teaching and research activities,
Dr. Cakmak additionally serves as Director of
the Center for Multifunctional Polymer
Nanomaterials and Devices (CMPND). He is an
expert in the field of polymer processing, and is
involved with identification, modeling, and
simulation of the complex mechanisms
occurring during processing of a wide variety of
thermoplastic and nanostructured polymers
from solution, the rubbery state, or in the melt.
He also develops novel processes for products
in the optics, electronics, and bio fields.
Invention Portfolio
.
. Membranes
Title: Biological Implants of Semipermeable Amphiphilic
Patent No: 6,200,589
Title: Amphiphilic Networks, Implantable Immunoisolatory Devices and Methods of Preparation
Patent No: 6,365,171
Title: Amphiphilic Networks, Implantable Immunoisolatory Devices and Methods of Preparation
Patent No: 6,727,322
Title: Implantable Devices for Producing Insulin
Patent Status: PCT Publication No. WO 2008/027420
Title: Amphiphilic Grafts and Co-Networks and Process for Making Same
Patent Status: PCT Publication No. WO 2008/019044
Title: Bio-Artificial Pancreas and a Procedure for Preparation of Same
Patent Status: PCT Publication No. WO 2008/112190
Inventor E-mail: [email protected]
Phone:
330-972-7512
Assignee:
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
Inventor E-mail: [email protected]
Phone:
330-972-6928