Encapsulating hepatocytes with chitosan in physiological conditions
Zhu, J.; Zhang, B.; Yan, X.; Lao, X.; Yu, H.
Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 23(5): 1070-1074
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-5515 PMID: 17121357 Document Number: 602951
Prepared from 15.3% N-acetylated chitosan (FNC), half N-acetylated chitosan (HNC) possesses a good solubility in a weak basic solution, guaranteeing the formation of microcapsules by the coacervating reaction between HNC and methacrylic acid (MAA)-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-methyl methacrylate (MMA) (MAA-HEMA-MMA) terpolymer under physiological conditions. When hepatocytes were encapsulated in such 3-dimensional microenvironment, as compared to monolayer culture, cell functions, including P450 activity, urea production and albumin release, were well supported. The prepared microcapsules have good mechanical stability and permeability.