PRISM: A Novel Human Islet Isolation Technique.

Background Successful pancreatic islet isolations are a key requirement for islet transplantation in selected patients with type 1 diabetes. However, islet isolation is a technically complex, time-consuming, manual process. Optimization and simplification of the islet isolation procedure could increase islet yield and quality, require fewer operators and thus reduce cost. Methods We developed a new, closed system of tissue collection, washing, buffer change and islet purification termed PancReatic Islet Separation Method (PRISM). In the developmental phase, pump and centrifuge speed was tested using microspheres with a similar size, shape and density as digested pancreatic tissue. After optimization, PRISM was used to isolate islets from 10 human pancreases. Results Islet equivalents, (IEQ), viability (FDA/PI), morphology and dynamic glucose stimulated insulin secretion (dGSIS) were evaluated. PRISM could be performed by 1 operator in 1 flow cabinet. A similar islet yield was obtained using PRISM compared to the traditional islet isolation method (431 234+/-292 833 versus 285 276+/-197 392 IEQ, p=0.105). PRISM islets had similar morphology and functionality. Conclusion PRISM is a novel islet isolation technique that can significantly improve islet isolation efficiency using fewer operators.