Type 1 diabetes - PRINT-Cell

Type 1 diabetes, which destroys insulin-producing islet beta cells, affects over 120,000 Australians and is a disease of national priority.

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Being able to create insulin-producing cells, rather than relying on the very limited supply from human donors, is the ‘holy grail’ of diabetes research. 

However, cross-disciplinary research to find a solution has been limited. In partnership with other major health research organisations and laboratories, RMIT brought together experts across multiple research disciplines to take a deep dive into this issue.

The PRINT-Cell initiative team is developing and testing soft tissue (islet) scaffolds using additive manufacturing (3D printing), tissue engineering and nanobiotechnology tools. Their focus is on assessing the feasibility of 3D-printing replacement islet cells and developing a research plan and funding application for intensified cross-disciplinary research in this area.

This project was funded through RMIT’s Platform Activity Support Fund.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.