MULTILAYERED POLYELECTROLYTE-BASED CAPSULES FOR CELL ENCAPSULATION AND DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The present invention provides novel, biocompatible matrices for cell encapsulation and transplantation. It further provides methods for delivering agents to encapsulated cells and to the local environment of a host system. The invention also provides methods for targeting and manipulating particular cells and/or proteins of the host system. In a composition aspect of the invention, a composition including a collection of capsules is provided. The capsules comprise an inner core, and the inner core is covered by an outer shell composed of a positive polyelectrolyte and a negative polyelectrolyte. The inner core of the capsules contains at least one cell.