Based on these premises, development of a clinical protocol for the implantation of islets into the omentum is a desirable goal. As an attempt to maximize the engraftment of islet cell clusters onto the omentum, implantation site should promote islet adherence to the omental peritoneal layer and avoid cell pelleting. Dr. Alejandro's team at University of Miami has recently performed a series of experiments in animal models of diabetes to assess the feasibility of transplanting pancreatic islets in the omentum using a plasma-thrombin gel. With that approach, the islets are re-suspended in either donor or autologous plasma and distributed in the omental pouch (created by sutures) to avoid pelleting. Cell adherence is achieved by addition of clinical-grade recombinant human thrombin that reacts with plasma to create a biocompatible, degradable gel containing the islet graft.