Encapsulation of cells in alginate gels

Abstract

Cell microencapsulation is based on the immobilization of cells for continuous release of therapeutics. This approach has been tested in the treatment of many diseases and several clinical trials have been performed. Factors such as the choice of cells to be encapsulated, the biomaterial used, and the procedure for carrying out the capsules are important issues when implementing this technology. This book chapter makes a comprehensive description of alginate, the most frequently employed biomaterial, passing by its structure, the extraction and treatment, and finishing with the process of gelation. It also describes the various modifications that can be carried out to allow the interaction between the alginate and the integrin receptors of encapsulated cells. The main microencapsulation technologies are presented as well as how 100 μm alginate-Poly-l-Lysine-alginate microcapsules can be fabricated with Flow-focusing technology. © Springer Science+Business Media, New York 2013.