Analysis of Glucose and Insulin Mass Transfer in a Novel 2-Channel Bioartificial Pancreas

Abstract

This paper introduces a newly developed 2-channel bioartificial pancreas for the treatment of type I diabetes. In this device, insulin secreting cells (islets of Langerhans) are placed between 2 semi-permeable membranes that form a flat rectangular chamber. One side of the chamber is in contact with blood from an artery and the other side with blood from a vein. In addition to the diffusive transfer of glucose and insulin, the pressure difference between the artery and the vein creates an ultrafiltration flux through the islet chamber. This diffusion and ultrafiltration flux carries glucose from the artery to the islets, and insulin from the islets to the vein. The bioartificial pancreas has a compact geometry and the blood channels were designed to prevent blood clotting. The predicted insulin release in response to a square-wave and a triangular-wave glucose stimulation is given for the bioartificial pancreas of dimensions necessary for implantation in diabetic patients.