Seaweed Capsules to Help Replace Insulin Injections for Diabetics
Scientists from Okinawa Institute of Technology and Science Graduate University (OIST) have developed a novel 
hydrogel capsule made with alginate for preserving insulin producing pancreatic cells which could be used in pancreatic islet transplantation for diabetes treatment.
Pancreatic islet transplantation is an effective treatment for diabetes which is carried out by cryopreservation method. But, the method is not completely safe as the freezing process can damage the cells due to the formation of sharp ice crystals.
By using this novel capsule, it is possible to avoid potential cell damage during freezing. The capsule’s structure includes non-freezable bound water which protects the cell from ice damage. Further, the technique could also reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted tissue by the host membrane, as the capsule membrane avoids direct contact with the host cells.
