Abstract
Background
C3H10T1/2 cells, from a mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line, were used to investigate the improvement of alginate-based microencapsulated cells for cellular therapy.
Methods
Purified sodium alginate (PSA) and non-purified sodium alginate (SA) were used to prepare alginate-based microcapsules, and their biocompatibility and membrane strength were then compared for the purposes of analyzing the advantages of purifying SA. In addition, poly-l-lysine (PLL) was replaced by chitosan for alginate–chitosan microcapsule preparation. The process of optimization and chemical modification of alginate–chitosan microcapsules using polyethylene glycol was also reviewed.
Results
The results showed improved biocompatibility and membrane strength of PSA-based microcapsules. Under optimal conditions, mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-loaded alginate–chitosan microcapsules with good morphology could be obtained using PSA and chitosans of medium molecular weight (1.0–2.5×105). A chitosan solution of 0.1% (w/v) and a reaction time of 7 min between alginate and chitosan were determined as optimal preparation parameters.
Discussion
It could be concluded that the chemical modification of alginate-based microcapsules can improve their biocompatibility.