Mathematical Model for Microencapsulation of Pancreatic Islets within a Biofunctional PEG Hydrogel

Abstract

Abstract The results of a mathematical model for surface‐initiated polymerization of biofunctional PEG‐based hydrogels to predict gel properties prior to synthesis is reported. The mathematical model developed in this study describes microencapsulation of islets within an insulinotropic peptide (GLP‐1) functionalized PEG hydrogels. Experimental measurements of the thickness and swelling of GLP‐1 functionalized hydrogel membranes compare well with the model. The model is capable of predicting the crosslink density, thickness, and the level of GLP‐1 incorporation within the membrane. This study demonstrates the possibility of modulating the concentration of biological cues in highly permissive and biofunctional PEG hydrogels for optimizing engineered tissue function. magnified image