Teflon-coated Cells Could Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes

Teflon-coated Cells Could Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes. Scientists have invented a tiny implant covered in Teflon coating that contains transplanted insulin-producing cells. Teflon, the chemical used to coat non-stick pans, has been used in medicine for more than 30 years, as it is compatible with human tissue and does not cause the immune system to attack itself when implanted in the body. Researchers from the University of California San Diego, took stem cells from human pancreases and encased them inside a Teflon-coated "pouch." The pouch is made of a fine membrane that allows insulin to escape, but does not allow attacking T-cells, that kill insulin-producing cells, to get in. As a result, the transplanted cells are able to carry on producing insulin -- potentially reducing the need for people with Type 1 diabetes to give themselves injections, according to the researchers. The scientists tested the experimental treatment on mice and said the results exceeded their expectations. During laboratory tests, they found that transplanted cells were able to survive the body's defence system, and produce enough insulin to enable the body to effectively use glucose.

Diabetes UK