Decellularized collagen matrix (DCM) refers to acellular tissue that retains collagen IV, the major components of islet microenvironment. DCM have been proved functional in islet transplantation into diabetes animals according to previous studies, but few passed long-term assay.

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In this work, we designed a new matrix, JANUS. With two differently oriented layers, JANUS is supposed to provide both porous environment for cluster forming and mechanical strength to support in vivo cultivation. This work explored physiological properties of the matrix, marked by the cell cluster morphology, cell metabolism level and cell’s responsiveness to high glucose concentration. Results turned out that the matrix supported pancreas β cells’s growth, giving license to future in vivo studies.