This paper describes the design and preparation of the non-biological components (the “hardware”) of a conceptually novel
bioartificial pancreas (BAP) to correct diabetes. The key components of the hardware are (1) a thin (5–10 μm) semipermeable
amphiphilic co-network (APCN) membrane [i.e., a membrane of cocontinuous poly(dimethyl acryl amide) (PDMAAm)/polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) domains cross-linked by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS)] expressly created for macroencapsulation and immunoisolation
of a tissue graft; (2) an electrospun nanomat of PDMS-containing polyurethane to reinforce the water-swollen APCN membrane;
and (3) a perforated hollow-ribbon nitinol scaffold to stiffen and provide geometric stability to the construct. The reinforcement
of water-swollen hydrogels with an electrospun nanomat is a generally applicable new method for hydrogel reinforcement. Details
of device design and preparation are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of micro- and macro-immunoisolation are analyzed,
and the requirements for the ideal immunoisolatory membrane are presented. Burst pressure, and glucose and insulin permeabilities
of representative devices have been determined and the effect of device composition and wall thickness on these properties
is discussed.
Keywords Bioartificial pancreas - Biocompatibility - Cell encapsulation - Oxygen permeation - Electrospinning - Reinforcement
Paper XXXIV of the series “Amphiphilic Conetworks”. For paper XXXIII see R. Karanukaran and J. P. Kennedy “Novel Amphiphilic
Conetworks by Synthesis and Crosslinking of Allyl-Telechelic Block Copolymers” J. Polym. Sci., Part A, Polym. Chem., accepted
for publication.