Ungrin, Mark D.Wong, Sarah2019-09-162019-09-162019-09-12Wong, S. (2019). Development of an extracellular matrix to improve pseudoislet survival for the treatment of Type I diabetes (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/110934Throughout the islet transplantation process, many islets die due to removal from their native environment. Studies suggest that select extracellular matrices (ECMs) have the potential to support islet survival throughout transplantation. However, there is currently no overview evaluating ECM interactions with pseudoislets. In this study, three common methods of quantifying cell survival were applied to aggregates encapsulated in thin hydrogel sheets and their effectiveness was evaluated. Next, a Design of Experiments approach was used to evaluate composite hydrogel ECMs as a method of improving the survival of INS1 and primary human pseudoislets post-isolation. Encapsulating INS1 pseudoislets in [alginate] = 2wt/v%, [collagen I] ~ 4mg/mL, and [Matrigel] ~ 4mg/mL improved INS1 survival and proliferation when cultured for 3 days. Similarly, collagen I and Matrigel were found to have a neutral or positive effect on primary human pseudoislet survival when encapsulated in 2 wt/v% alginate gels and cultured for 5 days.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Engineering--Biomedicalmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/36999