The Bombay Technologist

Hydrogels for Cell Immobilization

Apurva Chitte

Nandita Bhagwat

Keywords: Hydrogel, Cell immobilization, Microencapsulation, Immunoisolation, Bioartificial organs.

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Abstract

Hydrogels arc being investigated for mammalran cell immobilization. Their material properties can be engineered for biocompatibility. selective permeability, mechanical and chemical stability, and other requirements as specified by the application including uniform cell distribution and a given membrane thickness or mechanical strength. These aaucous gels are attractive for analytical and tissue engineering applications and can be used with immobilizaJion in therapies for various diseases as well as to generate bioartillcial organs. Recent advances have broadened the use of hydrogel cell immobilization in biomedical fields. This paper covers the methods and current development for immobilization of mammalian cells in hydrogels. It covers hydrogel recyjirements for use in adhesion, matrix entrapment and microencapsulation, the respective processing methods, as well as current applications.