Abstract
Alginate microcapsules enclosing recombinant cells secreting therapeutic products have been used successfully to treat several murine models of human diseases. The mechanical and chemical properties of these alginate capsules can be improved by the addition and in situ photopolymerization of sodium acrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone in the alginate capsule. The purpose of this modification was to form additional covalent cross-links. In this work we have used scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) to probe the nature and location of the chemical modifications in the modified capsules by comparison with unmodified capsules. Analysis of X-ray image sequences and selected area spectra has been used to map the calcium gradient in capsules, to identify the presence of polyacrylate throughout the capsules and the localization of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone in the outer regions of the alginate capsules. The differences in the spatial distributions of these species have led to better understanding of the chemical modifications that provide a mechanically more stable capsule structure.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.