An Integrated Oxygen‐Supplying Device and Predictive Multiphysics Model for Extended Ambient Transport of Insulin‐Producing Cells

ABSTRACT Cell therapies are a transformative pillar in healthcare, offering treatments for a diverse range of rare and chronic diseases. However, their complex supply chain relies on cryopreservation and cold‐chain logistics, which limits access to these life‐saving treatments, and the freeze–thaw process can affect their therapeutic quality. Here, we present an ambient temperature transportation system consisting of a novel dual chamber device that facilitates shipment of fresh cells by providing sustained oxygen delivery and extracellular matrix support, eliminating the need for cryopreservation. This device was optimized to maximize oxygen‐carrying capacity for over 70 h at baseline. In parallel, a finite element model was developed to capture oxygen transfer within the device and cellular oxygen consumption. Focusing on insulin‐producing cells as a representative cargo given their oxygen sensitivity, the computational framework predicts the optimal cell density for a 48‐h international pilot ambient shipment based on oxygen durability, or the time taken for the system to reach atmospheric oxygen levels. Post‐shipment, the cells remained viable and functional, outperforming their cryopreserved controls. This tunable platform can be adapted to suit a range of biological cargoes, improving their quality and extending ambient shipment timeframes while reducing economic and environmental costs associated with cold‐chain logistics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-09-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.78103
Primary Topic
Pancreatic function and diabetes
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

An Integrated Oxygen‐Supplying Device and Predictive Multiphysics Model for Extended Ambient Transport of Insulin‐Producing Cells

Garry P. Duffy, Abhik Mallick, Amir M. Alsharabasy, Abhay Pandit et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Pancreatic function and diabetes
article

An Integrated Oxygen‐Supplying Device and Predictive Multiphysics Model for Extended Ambient Transport of Insulin‐Producing Cells

Garry P. Duffy, Abhik Mallick, Amir M. Alsharabasy, Abhay Pandit, Benjamin Brennan, Ruth Tarpey, Gabriella Bellavia, Daniel A. Domingo‐Lopez, Ruth E. Levey, Bryan D. Boyle
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cell therapies are a transformative pillar in healthcare, offering treatments for a diverse range of rare and chronic diseases. However, their complex supply chain relies on cryopreservation and cold‐chain logistics, which limits access to these life‐saving treatments, and the freeze–thaw process can affect their therapeutic quality. Here, we present an ambient temperature transportation system consisting of a novel dual chamber device that facilitates shipment of fresh cells by providing sustained oxygen delivery and extracellular matrix support, eliminating the need for cryopreservation. This device was optimized to maximize oxygen‐carrying capacity for over 70 h at baseline. In parallel, a finite element model was developed to capture oxygen transfer within the device and cellular oxygen consumption. Focusing on insulin‐producing cells as a representative cargo given their oxygen sensitivity, the computational framework predicts the optimal cell density for a 48‐h international pilot ambient shipment based on oxygen durability, or the time taken for the system to reach atmospheric oxygen levels. Post‐shipment, the cells remained viable and functional, outperforming their cryopreserved controls. This tunable platform can be adapted to suit a range of biological cargoes, improving their quality and extending ambient shipment timeframes while reducing economic and environmental costs associated with cold‐chain logistics.

Advanced Functional Materials
Science Foundation Ireland (IE), Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway (IE), Explora (Italy) (IT), Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (IE), Regenerative Medicine Institute (MX)
Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council, Horizon 2020, European Regional Development Fund
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Pancreatic function and diabetes
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