A novel cell encapsulation method using photosensitive poly(allylamine alpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetate)

Abstract

A photosensitive alpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetyl group was coupled to poly(allylamine) to obtain a photosensitive polymer. This photosensitive poly(allylamine) can cross-link upon light exposure. Microcapalpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetate sules were fabricated from alginate in contact with Ca+2 ion, followed by coating with the photosensitive poly(allylamine alpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetate). The microcapsules, thus formed, can be strengthened significantly by the lightinduced cross-linking of poly(allylamine alpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetate). Only 16 capsules (out of 50) prepared from the photosensitive poly(allylamine alphacyanocinnamylideneacetate) fractured after 48 h of agitation. For microcapsules prepared from the unmodified poly(allylamine), 32 capsules fractured. The photo cross-linked capsular membrane was permeable to cytochrome C, moderately permeable to myoglobin, and least permeable to serum albumin. IW32 (a mouse leukaemia cell line) cells were entrapped and cultured within these microcapsules. The cells proliferated to a density of about 9 x 106 cells/ml in the capsules after 7 days of cultivation.

Keywords::

• Microcapsule;Mechanical Strength;Polyallylamine Alpha-cyanocinnamylideneacetate;Cell Culture;Encapsulation;Photosensitive