Abstract
The progress of medical therapies, which rely on the transplantation of microencapsulated living cells, depends on the quality of the encapsulating material. Such material has to be biocompatible, and the microencapsulation process must be simple and not harm the cells. Alginate-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid microspheres (alg-PEG-M) were produced by combining ionotropic gelation of sodium alginate (Na-alg) using calcium ions with covalent crosslinking of vinyl sulfone-terminated multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-VS). In a one-step microsphere formation process, fast ionotropic gelation yields spherical calcium alginate gel beads, which serve as a matrix for simultaneously but slowly occurring covalent cross-linking of the PEG-VS molecules. The feasibility of cell microencapsulation was studied using primary human foreskin fibroblasts (EDX cells) as a model. The use of cell culture media as polymer solvent, gelation bath, and storage medium did not negatively affect the alg-PEG-M properties. Microencapsulated EDX cells maintained their viability and proliferated. This study demonstrates the feasibility of primary cell microencapsulation within the novel microsphere type alg-PEG-M, serves as reference for future therapy development, and confirms the suitability of EDX cells as control model.
Highlights
Microencapsulation of living cells in spherical hydrogel beads or capsules has been intensely studied for more than three decades
Despite enormous accumulation of knowledge documented in abundant original papers, reviews and monographs, which confirm the continuous progress in the field, cell microencapsulation has not yet been translated into any established therapy
Taking into account the advantages of both alginate- and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels, we have proposed a novel type of hydrogel microsphere
Summary
Microencapsulation of living cells in spherical hydrogel beads or capsules has been intensely studied for more than three decades. Despite enormous accumulation of knowledge documented in abundant original papers, reviews and monographs, which confirm the continuous progress in the field, cell microencapsulation has not yet been translated into any established therapy. While allotransplantation of cells can be performed in combination with immunosuppression, there is consensus that cell xenotransplantation will need immunoprotection of the cells by suitable semi-permeable materials produced by standardized technologies. Both materials and technology have to be well adapted to each specific cell type. Relying on existing knowledge together with research and development on the one hand and focus on the improvement of existing approaches on the other hand, researchers are looking for novel strategies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
