MEMS Silicon Cutters for Rapid Sectioning of Diffusion-Limited Pancreatic Islets to Improve Viability

This paper reports on the first MEMS silicon cutters designed to rapidly section donor pancreatic islets below oxygen diffusion-limited dimensions to improve viability of grafts during the critical period of re-implantation and revascularization by the host. The monolithic silicon chips feature an array of spaced nano-sharp (r < 100 nm) blades that cleanly section islet tissue. This work represents the first time that sectioning of pancreatic islets has been proposed and validated as a means to overcome the well-known problems of hypoxia and core-necrosis that is encountered in current islet transplantation procedures.