Microencapsulation using natural polysaccharides for drug delivery and cell implantation

Microencapsulation provides a simple and cost-effective way to enclose bioactive materials, such as drugs and cells, within a semi-permeable polymeric membrane for the purpose of protecting the bioactive materials and releasing the enclosed substances or their products in a controlled fashion. This article presents an overview of microencapsulation for biomedical applications, with focus on the progress accomplished in our laboratory. After a description of the materials chemistry and properties of natural polysaccharide-based microcapsules, applications of microencapsulation for drug delivery, cell culture and implantation are highlighted. In addition, the challenges and opportunities for chemists to assist the development of microencapsulation are discussed.