Development of high-density cultivation systems by bioencapsulation

Encapsulation of living cells within the confines of an enveloping material permits very high local cell densities to be achieved. Methodologies for bioencapsulation include liquid-based jet methods, drop techniques and emulsification. This review addresses the selection of suitable encapsulating material, enumerates polymers used in capsule formation and considers the significance of encapsulating eukaryotic cells. The importance of cell death as a factor limiting productivity of cell culture methods is emphasized.