Amphiphilic networks, implantable immunoisolatory devices and methods of preparation

摘要

The present invention provides high mechanical strength amphiphilic polymer networks and implantable biological devices that are capable of encasing and, thus, immunoisolating biological material from the immunological response of a host individual. The present invention also provides methods for the formation of the amphiphilic networks and implantable biological devices. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus comprising the steps of encasing a sufficient amount of islet of Langerhans cells within said biological device, wherein said biological device is capable of immunoisolating said encased islet cells upon implantation into an individual; implanting said biological device into a diabetic host individual; allowing said implanted biological device to remain implanted said diabetic individual for a time sufficient to normalize the blood glucose level in said diabetic individual.