Rat Islet pECM Hydrogel-Based Microencapsulation: A Protective Niche for Xenotransplantation

This study presents a bioinspired islet microencapsulation strategy based on decellularized porcine pancreatic extracellular matrix (pECM), designed to provide both mechanical robustness and immunoprotection for xenotransplantation. Rat pancreatic islets were encapsulated using electrospray formation of pECM-based microcapsules and compared to alginate controls. The pECM capsules exhibited spherical morphology (~619 ± 28 µm diameter) with a Young’s modulus of 18.2 ± 2.6 kPa, maintaining ECM proteins including collagen I/IV, laminin, and fibronectin. Encapsulated islets displayed superior viability, insulin secretion, and expression of β-cell transcription factors (PDX1, MAFA) over two weeks. Under hypoxic stress, pECM capsules reduced apoptosis and structural loss, improving recovery versus alginate capsules. In vivo xenotransplantation confirmed excellent biocompatibility, low immune response, and preserved insulin/glucagon expression. Findings position pECM hydrogels as bioactive immunoprotective niches for clinical islet transplantation.