IGEM:IMPERIAL/2009/cell encapsulation methods
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Alginate encapsulation
Sodium alginate forms solid gel upon complexation with Ca2+.
Advantages
- mild
- non-toxic
- low cost
- ease of handling
Disadvantages
- leaking (for pure alginate)
Spray coating of fats
Active material dissolved in polymer and trapped in dried particle.
Advantages
- Can handle labile particles due to short contact time
Disadvantages
- Must be heat resistant for spray-dry encapsulation
Rennet- Gelling
Milk proteins form gels upon Rennet action
Advantages
- milk is common food item
Disadvantages
- storage problem
Crystal Layer
Cell is encapsulated in a salt crystal
Advantages
- Outer layer coating controlled by cell
- can be visually seen
Disadvantages
- Unable to secrete
- Broken down easily in stomach acid
