Robert Vernon, PhD, a research associate member at BRI, and his team are pioneers in the development of engineered replacements for tissues and organs lost through disease or trauma. Two projects, which have important implications for persons suffering from type 1 diabetes or vascular disease, are part of what drew Leonard and Norma Klorfine and the Klorfine Foundation to Dr. Vernon’s work. When they saw the therapeutic potential of this research, they generously provided a grant to significantly accelerate these projects.

Islet Implant

One object is a quarter-inch diameter disk perforated with holes. The disk, which is made of a spongy biocompatible natural material, is part of a Bioengineered Islet Implant (BI). The BI, a device for transplantation of islets of Langerhans (the insulin-producing units of the pancreas), is designed to house donor islets within a controlled microenvironment that promotes islet survival, vascularization, and protection from immune attack by the recipient. The ultimate goal of the BI project is to develop an effective means of islet replacement therapy for people with type 1 diabetes whose islets are destroyed by their own immune system during the course of the disease. It is envisioned that BIs designed for human patients will be roughly the shape, size and thickness of a credit card and will be placed inside the peritoneal cavity or under the skin.

Blood Vessel Replacement

The other project is represented by a white three-inch tube — a prototype of a tissue-engineered blood vessel (TEBV). Dr. Vernon and his team are developing TEBVs as blood vessel replacements that will function like human arteries. An important component of the research is focused on finding a way to induce the muscle cells that make up the walls of the TEBVs to produce the rubber-like protein elastin — a component of native blood vessels that provides flexibility and strength.

Donations from individuals and private foundations are vital to the advancement of BRI’s research efforts. About 20 percent of BRI’s research support is provided by nongovernmental sources. These private donations allow BRI researchers to start innovative pilot programs, purchase new equipment and support young investigators. Learn more about donating to BRI.