Encapsulation of artificial tissues in polyelectrolyte complexes: preliminary studies.

The in vitro engineering of vital tissues from isolated cells requires primarily the synthesis of a new intercellular matrix. Structural components of the extracellular matrix are large molecules such as collagens and proteoglycans. To retain and accumulate new matrix molecules within three-dimensional cell cultures, chondrocyte-polymer constructs were encapsulated in polyelectrolyte complex membranes.

Methods for a comprehensive characterization of microcapsules based on polyelectrolyte complexes.

Several methods for characterization of microcapsules developed in connection with optimizing and controlling the properties of capsules based on polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) using sodium cellulosesulphate (NaCS) and poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) as complex forming components are briefly reported.