Alginate microspheres loaded with animal cells and coated by a siliceous layer

Animal cells or cell aggregates are suspended in Na-alginate solution and extruded under a flow of air saturated with silicon alcoxides. The immediate formation of a sol-gel siliceous membrane on the microdrop surface allows the reaction with Ca2++, leading to solid Ca-alginate, and yields homogeneous, stable microcapsules 200 mum in diameter. The cell function of the encapsulated biomass were tested in specific protein production, which is not affected by the siliceous membrane protection of Ca-alginate microcapsules. This fact, and the observed increase in mechanical stability and chemical durability, indicate that valuable features of silica encapsulation are added to those proper to Ca-alginate.