ABSTRACT
Microencapsulation of living cells within a synthetic membrane is proposed as a means of using these cells as a source of therapeutic biomolecules. The cells are protected from the host’s immune system by the presence of the polymer wall. The polyacrylate on which our current research is based, is a thermoplastic hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methyl methacrylate copolymer prepared by solution polymerization after careful monomer purification to reduce the cross-linker content. Cell transplantation is under consideration for a variety of disorders: insulin-dependent diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological applications. Microencapsulated cells could be injected or implanted intraperitoneally, for example, although other sites may be feasible or preferred. The issues of retrievability and the number of cells needed and capsule size will influence the choice of implant site and mode of access. The extracellular matrix through binding to cell surface integrins, has a strong influence on cell behavior.
