Impact of a Reinforced Graphene Oxide and Alginate Hydrogel with an Oxygen Releasing System on the Biocompatibility of Pancreatic β-Cells for Diabetes Therapy.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in insulin deficiency and impaired blood glucose regulation. Cell encapsulation using alginate-based hydrogels offers immunoprotection but faces challenges due to low oxygen solubility, compromising cell survival to restore vascularization after implantation. To address this, we developed an alginate hydrogel reinforced with graphene oxide (ALGO) and integrated calcium peroxide (CPO) as an oxygen-releasing system, stabilized with poly-L-lysine (PLL). Physicochemical and mechanical characterization confirmed incorporation of all components and improved elasticity with increasing CPO concentration. Hydrogels maintained structural stability for eight days and released oxygen throughout this period. Biocompatibility assays revealed that ALGO containing 0.25% CPO (0.25CPO) preserved cell viability and proliferation for 96 h, while 1% CPO negatively affected survival. Oxygen consumption analysis showed that 0.25CPO sustained mitochondrial respiration and enhanced maximal respiratory capacity. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion demonstrated that 0.25CPO maintained functional responsiveness under low and high glucose conditions. These findings indicate that 0.25CPO hydrogels provide controlled oxygen delivery, mechanical stability, and improved biocompatibility, making them a promising platform for pancreatic β-cell encapsulation and future preclinical applications in type 1 diabetes therapy.