Cell culture-containing tubular capsule produced by co-extrusion

Abstract

Living cells such as animal cells which produce biologically active factors are encapsulated within a semipermeable, polymeric membrane such as polyacrylate by co-extruding an aqueous cell suspension and a polymeric solution through a common port having at least one concentric bores to form a tubular extrudate having a polymeric membrane which encapsulates the cell suspension. The cell suspension is extruded through an inner bore and the polymeric solution is extruded through an outer bore while a pressure differential is maintained between the cell suspension and the polymeric solution to impede solvent diffusion from the polymeric solution into the cell suspension. The polymeric solution coagulates to form an outer coating or membrane as the polymeric solution and the cell suspension are extruded through the extrusion port. As the outer membrane is formed, the ends of the tubular extrudate are sealed to form a cell capsule. In one embodiment, the tubular extrudate is sealed at intervals to define separate cell compartments connected by polymeric links. In another embodiment, a cell capsule connected to a tethering filament is formed. The polymeric membrane may contain additives such as a surfactant, an anti-inflammatory agent or an anti-oxidant and can be coated with a protective barrier. The cell suspension may contain nutrients and an anchorage substrate.