Clinical Applications of Cell Encapsulation Technology in Cell and Drug Delivery

Cell encapsulation is a method of entrapping cells in a semi-permeable polymer that allows influx of oxygen and nutrients, but effectively avoids immune cells and antibodies from reaching the graft, preventing rejection. Since the invention of cell encapsulation technology, many researchers bet on this biotechnology as a promising alternative to protect encapsulated cells from host immune response. The main purpose of technology is to solve the existing problem of transplant rejection and thus decrease the necessity of long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant to reduce adverse effects. We carried out a search of published literature to review current information regarding cell encapsulation technology and how this technology could improve cell and drug delivery for therapeutic applications.
A computer-based literature search was performed using PubMed for relevant publications. Only English-language papers were considered.
Findings: Current concepts of cell encapsulation technology including a historical perspective, its application for the treatment of diseases, research findings, and important parameters involved in this technique were discussed.
Different features of this technique would allow widening the applications from drug delivery to cell delivery. In this way, enclosed cells work as customized factories, synthesizing and releasing the desired therapeutic factor. Looking forward to the future, this technology is expected to evolve significantly. The substantial potential of cell encapsulation has increased with the boom in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.