title: Optimal conditions of transplantable binary polyelectrolyte microcapsules.
abstract: Binary polyanion/oligocation microcapsules, prepared in a one-step process, are proposed as an alternative to the common alginate/poly-L-lysine system used in bioencapsulation technology. The model system is based on natural polysaccharides and involves the anionic sodium alginate, or iota-carrageenan, complexed with cationic oligochitosan. This system has been characterized with respect to capsule formation, mechanical strength, and permeability. This paper provides a general description of the influence of the most pronounced parameters that can be used as a tool to modulate the properties of binary microcapsules. These parameters have been separated into two categories. The first, which includes molar mass of polyanion, pH, ionic strength, and concentration of both polyelectrolytes, can be used to simultaneously control capsule mechanical and structural properties. The second set, molar mass of polyanion and reaction time, influences only mechanical resistance without altering membrane permeability. Additional issues related to mechanical stability and the possible change of capsule properties following transplantation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Polymer Institute, Technical University of Szczecin, Poland. barart@mailbox.tuniv.szczecin.pl
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bartkowiak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D016466:CHO Cells; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan; D006224:Cricetinae; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D004573:Electrolytes; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology; D008863:Microspheres; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010539:Permeability; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004573:Electrolytes; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan