Islet isolation is the foundation of islet transplantation, and our scientists have literally redefined the process. Today, we are one of the few programs in the world capable of consistently producing high-quality islets -- propelling the University of Minnesota to its position as a world leader in islet transplantation.
The donor pancreas is brought to a special laboratory at the University of Minnesota whose purpose is to make biological products.
The Schulze Diabetes Institute has developed a standardized method for objectively assessing the quantity and quality of islet products to ensure their suitability for transplant. We use digital imaging analysis to determine the quantity, purity, integrity, cellular identity, and viability of the islets. Our expertise in this area has led to universal acceptance of objective, standardized methods of assessing islet quantity and quality.
The Schulze Diabetes Institute hopes its research will help people with type 1 diabetes achieve insulin independence. A donation from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation is putting researchers closer to this goal.