Oxygen-powered implant lets encapsulated islet cells regulate diabetes without immunosuppression

MIT researchers have developed an implantable, encapsulated islet-cell device with an onboard oxygen generator that protects the cells from immune attack and sustains insulin production. In mice and rats, the device functioned for at least 90 days, maintaining healthy blood glucose by the donor or stem-cell–derived islets, with wireless power delivery boosting oxygen supply. The team aims to extend durability to years and explore delivering other protein therapies in the body.