title: Bio-inspired encapsulation and functionalization of living cells with artificial shells.
abstract: In nature, most single cells do not have structured shells to provide extensive protection apart from diatoms and radiolarians. Fabrication of biomimetic structures based on living cells encapsulated with artificial shells has a great impact on the area of cell-based sensors and devices as well as fundamental studies in cell biology. The past decade has witnessed a rapid increase of research concerning the new fabrication strategies, functionalization and applications of this kind of encapsulated cells. In this review, the latest fabrication strategies on how to encapsulate living cells with functional shells based on the diversity of artificial shells are discussed: hydrogel matrix shells, sol-gel shells, polymeric shells, and induced mineral shells. Classical different types of artificial shells are introduced and their advantages and disadvantages are compared and explained. The biomedical applications of encapsulated cells with particular emphasis on cell implant protection, cell separation, biosensors, cell therapy and tissue engineering are also described and a recap of this review and the future perspectives on these active areas is given finally.
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Sha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: zguo@licp.cas.cn.
authors.forename: Zhiguang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Guo
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D064347:Microscopy, Electrochemical, Scanning; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide
keywords: Artificial shells; Bio-inspired; Encapsulation; Functional; Living cells