Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an ever-increasing medical condition that currently suffers 1 of 11 adults who may have lifelong commitment with insulin injections. Cell-laden hydrogels releasing insulin may provide the ultimate means of correcting diabetes. Here, we provide insights of this cell-based approach including latest preclinical and clinical progress both from academia and industry.
Area covered: The present article focuses on reviewing latest advances in cell-laden hydrogels both from the technological and biological perspective. The most relevant clinical results including clinical trials are also discussed.
Expert opinion: Current progress in technological issues (stem cells, devices, biomaterials) have contributed cell encapsulation science to have a very relevant progress in the field of diabetes treatment.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; alginate; cell encapsulation; cell-laden hydrogels; drug delivery.