Development of a Novel Cell Encapsulation System Based on Natural Origin Polymers for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Cells microencapsulated in biocompatible semi-permeable polymeric membranes are effective as cell delivery systems while protecting the host against immune responses. In this study, cell encapsulation membranes were prepared based on carrageenan and alginate, two natural cationic polymers. Different formulations/conditions were explored to optimize the microcapsules which were characterized with respect to their morphology, mechanical stability, and cytotoxicity. Spherical-shaped microcapsules were obtained from all the polymeric systems. The iota-carrageenan/sodium alginate microcapsules exhibited the best stability and permeability, and therefore, these were selected for the cell encapsulation. These capsules provided an environment that supported cell proliferation and have the potential for tissue engineering as well as other cell-based therapy applications.

Polymer‐based microparticles in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

“…The mechanical strength and elasticity of these encapsulating structures should be high enough to guarantee consistent therapy over prolonged periods, and their manufacturing process must not only be reproducible but also meet the demands for medical approval 103. Other polysaccharides such as carrageenan have been proposed to encapsulate cells in particles 104…”

Cardiac and stem cell-cocooned hybrid microspheres: A multi factorial design approach

“…Furthermore, for MI specific treatments alginate spheres have demonstrated poor levels of vascularization through the matrix [22]. These limitations have led to a plethora of studies on the combination of alginate and other biopolymers for cell encapsulation, including poly-l-lysine [23], poly-l-ornithine [24], poly(methylene-co-guanidine) [25], poly(ethylene glycol) [26], chitosan [26], cellulose [27], carrageenan [15], and protamine sulfate [28]. However, none of these combinational biomaterials have provided an optimal solution for treating MI.…”

“…Matrix-assisted cell therapy techniques are a focus of intense research worldwide due to the exceptional social and economic impact that such versatile techniques would provide [13][14][15]. One such matrix assisted technique that has attracted significant attention is the encapsulation of stem cells into biodegradable microspheres [16][17][18].…”

Natural polymers for the microencapsulation of cells

“…Also, both i-and k-carrageenan hydrogels have been used for cell encapsulation by ionic cross-linking [18] and by the formation of complexes with polycations such as chitosan [81].…”