Biomaterials in cell microencapsulation

Abstract

The field of cell encapsulation is advancing rapidly. This cell-based technology permits the local and long-term delivery of a desired therapeutic product reducing or even avoiding the need of immunosuppressant drugs. The choice of a suitable material preserving the viability and functionality of enclosed cells becomes fundamental if a therapeutic aim is intended. Alginate, which is by far the most frequently used biomaterial in the field of cell microencapsulation, has been demonstrated to be probably the best polymer for this purpose due to its biocompatibility, easy manipulation, gel forming capacity and in vivo performance. © 2010 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.