A research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea has published their latest findings in Nature Communications, developing a novel bioink called PINE and successfully constructing a functional pancreatic islet platform using 3D bioprinting technology. The study, co-led by Professor Jinah Jang and PhD student Myungji Kim, provides an innovative tool for diabetes treatment and drug development.

The team developed the PINE bioink using biomaterials derived from pancreatic tissue, incorporating laminin and type IV collagen. Through 3D bioprinting, the researchers created a human islet-like cell aggregate and vascular system (HICA-V) platform that precisely mimics the microenvironmental structure of the natural pancreas, with stem cell-derived islet cells and vascular structures arranged in an orderly manner.

"This technology faithfully replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas," said Professor Jinah Jang. Experimental results showed that islet cells cultured in the HICA-V platform exhibit insulin secretion comparable to natural islets, while accurately simulating pathological features such as inflammatory gene expression.

The platform offers three core advantages:

Promotes maturation and enhanced function of stem cell-derived islets

Accurately simulates diabetic pathological responses

Provides a reliable testing environment for drug screening

The research team noted that this technology not only deepens understanding of diabetes pathogenesis but will also accelerate the development of anti-diabetic drugs. In the future, it holds promise for application in islet transplantation therapy, improving treatment outcomes.