Sustained function of alginate-encapsulated human islet cell implants in the peritoneal cavity of mice leading to a pilot study in a type 1 diabetic patient.

Aims/hypothesis Alginate-encapsulated human islet cell grafts have not been able to correct diabetes in humans, whereas free grafts have. This study examined in immunodeficient mice whether alginate-encapsulated graft function was inferior to that of free grafts of the same size and composition.