title: Cell microencapsulation technology for biomedical purposes: novel insights and challenges.
abstract: The aim of cell microencapsulation technology is to treat multiple diseases in the absence of immunosuppression. Using this technique, cells are immobilized within carefully designed capsules that allow the long-term function of the graft. Although the potential impact of this field is likely to be wide-ranging, the past few years have seen several 'firsts' that have brought the whole technology much closer to a realistic clinical application.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
authors.forename: Gorka
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Orive
authors.forename: Alicia R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Gascón
authors.forename: Rosa M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Igartua
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luis Pedraz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*