Therapeutic cell encapsulation techniques and applications in diabetes

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2014 Apr:67-68:74-83. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.09.015. Epub 2013 Oct 5.

Abstract

The encapsulation of therapeutic cells permits the implantation of allogeneic and xenogeneic cells for the regulation of certain physiological processes damaged by the death or senescence of host tissues. The encapsulation of pancreatic cells for the treatment of diabetes is emphasized; however, many of the techniques are applicable to a wide array of mammalian cell applications. The summary of both established and novel encapsulation techniques, clinical trials, and commercial product developments highlights the metered but steady pace of therapeutic cell encapsulation towards implementation.

Keywords: Bioencapsulation; Immunoisolation; Islets; Microcapsules.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / surgery*
  • Emulsions
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / methods*
  • Pancreas / anatomy & histology
  • Pancreas Transplantation
  • Static Electricity
  • Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Emulsions
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Glucuronic Acid