Islet Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes

The pursuit of a biological cure for Type 1 diabetes has placed islet transplantation at the forefront of translational medicine. Advances in cell replacement therapy, immunology, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine have transformed the field from an experimental endeavour into a therapeutic option for selected patients. This volume brings together investigators from different disciplines to examine the scientific foundations, clinical applications, and future directions of islet transplantation. It provides an integrated perspective that connects islet biology, transplantation science, immunology, biomedical engineering, and diabetes care. The contributors discuss both the opportunities and the barriers that must be addressed to achieve durable and accessible cell-based therapies for diabetes. Topics covered include donor selection, pancreas preservation, islet isolation, clinical transplantation, graft assessment, immunological barriers, xenotransplantation, biomaterials, nanomedicine, imaging technologies, organ-on-a-chip systems, stem cell-derived islets, and the economic and ethical aspects of ß-cell replacement therapy. Together, these chapters illustrate the multidisciplinary nature of the field. They also discuss approaches that may improve transplant outcomes and broaden the applicability of ß-cell replacement therapies. Written for researchers, graduate students, clinicians, endocrinologists, transplant specialists, and biotechnology professionals, this book spans basic science, clinical medicine, and biomedical engineering. It will serve as both a reference and an introduction to the field of islet transplantation and ß-cell replacement therapy.