Abstract
The term "bioartificial endocrine pancreas" (BEP) was introduced by Anthony Sun in 1980. It was in 1968, however, that Thomas Chang proposed the use of microencapsulated islets as artificial β-cells. By applying a semipermeable membrane on the top of microcapsules, a system can be produced that is impermeable to viable islet cells and large effector molecules of the immune system, thus providing a protection for transplanted islets against rejection. Since then, the term BEP has not often appeared in papers. Instead, the term "bioartificial pancreas" (BAP) has gained widespread use. In a broader sense, BAP would include an application of suitable endocrine cells and protective polymeric vehicles, but not necessarily providing a filtration barrier of precisely defined properties (e.g., cells injected into a gel of hyaluronate).
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