title: Characterization of a novel bile acid-based delivery platform for microencapsulated pancreatic β-cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In a recent study, we confirmed good chemical and physical compatibility of microencapsulated pancreatic β-cells using a novel formulation of low viscosity sodium alginate (LVSA), Poly-L-Ornithine (PLO), and the tertiary bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of UDCA on the morphology, swelling, stability, and size of these new microcapsules. It also aimed to evaluate cell viability in the microcapsules following UDCA addition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Microencapsulation was carried out using a Büchi-based system. Two (LVSA-PLO, control and LVSA-PLO-UDCA, test) pancreatic β-cells microcapsules were prepared at a constant ratio of 10:1:3, respectively. The microcapsules' morphology, cell viability, swelling characteristics, stability, mechanical strength, Zeta potential, and size analysis were examined. The cell contents in each microcapsule and the microencapsulation efficiency were also examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The addition of UDCA did not affect the microcapsules' morphology, stability, size, or the microencapsulation efficiency. However, UDCA enhanced cell viability in the microcapsules 24 h after microencapsulation (p < 0.01), reduced swelling (p < 0.05), reduced Zeta potential (- 73 ± 2 to - 54 ± 2 mV, p < 0.01), and increased mechanical strength of the microcapsules (p < 0.05) at the end of the 24-h experimental period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  UDCA increased β-cell viability in the microcapsules without affecting the microcapsules' size, morphology, or stability. It also increased the microcapsules' resistance to swelling and optimized their mechanical strength. Our findings suggest potential benefits of the bile acid UDCA in β-cell microencapsulation.
authors.affiliation: a Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University , Perth , WA , Australia.
authors.forename: Armin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mooranian
authors.affiliation: a Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University , Perth , WA , Australia.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Negrulj
authors.affiliation: b Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences Research Precinct, School of Biomedical Science, Curtin University , Perth , WA , Australia.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Arfuso
authors.affiliation: a Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University , Perth , WA , Australia.
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Al-Salami
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods*; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D055672:Static Electricity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D002214:Capsules; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D010455:Peptides; C008973:polyornithine; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid; D020723:Glucuronic Acid
keywords: artificial cell microencapsulation; bile acids; cell viability; diabetes; islet cells