Alginate-based encapsulation of cells: past, present, and future.
Replacing dysfunctional endocrine tissues (eg, islets) with healthy, nonautologous material protected against the immune defense of the patient could soon become a reality. Recent advances have resulted in the development of alginate-based microcapsules that meet the demands of biocompatibility, long-term integrity, and function. Focus on the development of good manufacturing practice-conforming microfluidic chip technology for generation of immunoisolated transplants and on cryopreservation technology will bring the cell-based therapy to the market and clinics.
Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, Biozentrum, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Heiko
H
Zimmermann
Stephen G
SG
Shirley
Ulrich
U
Zimmermann
D000464:Alginates / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D000459:Phaeophyceae
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid