Cell microencapsulation

Abstract

In the past several decades, many attempts have been made to prevent the rejection of transplanted cells by the immune system. Cell encapsulation is primary machinery for cell transplantation and new materials and approaches were developed to encapsulate various types of cells to treat a wide range of diseases. This technology involves placing the transplanted cells within a biocompatible membrane in attempt to isolate the cells from the host immune attack and enhance or prolong their function in vivo. In this chapter, we will review the situation of cell microencapsulation field and discuss its potentials and challenges for cell therapy and regeneration of tissue function.