Title:Encapsulation in Cell Therapy: Methodologies, Materials, and Clinical Applications
Volume: 18
Issue: 5
Author(s): Patricia Galvez-Martín*, Jose M. Martin, Adolfina M. Ruiz and Beatriz Clares
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada E-18071,Spain
Keywords:
Cell therapy, scaffold, encapsulation, cell, biomaterials, polymers.
Abstract: Background: The clinical application of cells and the development of new delivery systems
have allowed significant advances in the field of cell therapy and encapsulation in recent years. The
ability to combine cells and biocompatible matrices in the encapsulation of cells providing long-term
delivery has provides new therapeutic alternatives in the development of new therapies.
Methods: A structured search of bibliographic databases was carried out to determine the entire methodology
related to cell encapsulation with clinical application.
Results: Cell encapsulation provides increased retention time in the target tissue improving its therapeutic
efficacy. This technology involves the development of a physical barrier (natural or synthetic
matrix surrounded by a semipermeable membrane) to isolate and protect cells from the host's immune
system maintaining the microenvironment of embedded cells, their viability and their capacity of differentiation,
improving their function in vivo, and reducing side effects associated with the use of immunosuppressive
therapy.
Conclusion: The purpose of this review is to discuss the different technologies of cell encapsulation
and the different materials utilized from both, natural and synthetic origin, and provide an overview of
current therapeutic applications of cell encapsulation, as well as, the perspectives for their clinical application
including as a novelty the current application in clinical trials.
