Cell microcarriers and microcapsules of stimuli-responsive polymers

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 149; no. 3; pp. 209 - 224
• Main Authors: Brun-Graeppi, Amanda K. Andriola Silva, Richard, Cyrille, Bessodes, Michel, Scherman, Daniel, Merten, Otto-Wilhelm
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 10.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - metabolism; Biocompatible Materials - pharmacokinetics; Biological and medical sciences; biotechnology; Capsules - chemistry; Capsules - metabolism; Capsules - pharmacokinetics; Cell microcapsules; Cell microcarriers; Characterization techniques; Drug Carriers - chemistry; Drug Carriers - metabolism; Drug Carriers - pharmacokinetics; Drug Compounding - methods; gelation; gels; General pharmacology; Humans; Medical sciences; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; polymers; Polymers - chemistry; Polymers - metabolism; Polymers - pharmacokinetics; Production methods; Stimuli-responsive polymers; Cell microcapsules; Production methods; Characterization techniques; Stimuli-responsive polymers; Cell microcarriers; Characterization; Pharmaceutical technology; Microcapsule; Production; Microparticle; Polymer; In vitro
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.09.023

Cell microcarriers and microcapsules have presented a wide range of potential applications. This article overviews their role in biotechnology with focus on the progress accomplished using stimuli-responsive polymers. Key properties of cell microcarriers and microcapsules are identified, followed by a description of the chemistry and gel formation mechanism of some of the stimuli-responsive polymers used to design them. Production methods are introduced and characterization techniques for evaluating such microsystems are equally presented. [Display omitted]