Encapsulation of cells in hydrogels

Publisher Summary In all encapsulation methods, the polymer solution must be gelled by cross-linking the polymer chains after dispersing living cells in solution. Many water-soluble polymers possess high reactivity hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups on their side chains. By using a cross-linking agent that reacts with these groups, gelation can be readily achieved. Unfortunately, because cross-linking agents that react with side chains will also react with amine and carboxyl groups of proteins, cell toxicity is very high. Hence, different approaches are required. The chapter describes the methods attempted in this domain and provides an actual example including the experimental method.