Tissue engineering as a platform for controlled release of therapeutic agents: implantation of microencapsulated dopamine producing cells in the brains of rats

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 72; no. 1; pp. 93 - 100
• Main Authors: Vallbacka, J.J., Nobrega, J.N., Sefton, M.V.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 14.05.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - physiology; Catecholaminergic system; Cell Transplantation - methods; Controlled delivery; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; dopamine; Dopamine - biosynthesis; Drug Compounding; General pharmacology; Growth factors; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Medical sciences; Microencapsulation; Neuropharmacology; Neurotransmitters. Neurotransmission. Receptors; Parkinson’s disease; PC12 Cells; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase - metabolism; Controlled delivery; Microencapsulation; Growth factors; PC12 cells; Parkinson’s disease; Encapsulation; Dopamine; Pharmaceutical technology; Rat; Cannula; Controlled release form; Control release polymer; Chemical stability; Rodentia; Microcapsule; Central nervous system; Drug carrier; Hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymer; Catecholamine; Methyl methacrylate copolymer; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Enzymatic activity; Animal; Established cell line; Intracerebral administration; Dosage form; Viability; Brain (vertebrata)
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-3659(01)00265-6

Tissue engineering can lead to novel controlled release devices and controlled release strategies (e.g., of growth factors) can enhance the performance of tissue engineered constructs. There are however a number of technical challenges that must be overcome before these goals can be realized. The apparently ‘simple’ challenge of implanting the device (e.g., capsules) in the optimal site must be met. In addition, adequate nutrient supply to the capsules is required to maintain cell viability. To illustrate this problem we describe a guide and delivery cannula technique to provide reliable and reproducible delivery of up to 120 PC12 cell containing capsules into the caudate putamen (CPu). Microencapsulation of mammalian cells is potentially a powerful means of delivering therapeutically important molecules such as insulin. It can also have numerous applications as a platform for gene therapy. However, realizing this potential has been more difficult than first anticipated.