Method and system for encapsulating cells in a tubular extrudate in separate cell compartments

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for encapsulating viable cells which produce biologically-active factors. The cells are encapsulated within a semipermeable, polymeric membrane by co-extruding an aqueous cell suspension and a polymeric solution through a common port to form a tubular extrudate having a polymeric outer coating which encapsulates the cell suspension. For example, the cell suspension and the polymeric solution can be extruded through a common extrusion port having at least two concentric bores, such that the cell suspension is extruded through the inner bore and the polymeric solution is extruded through the outer bore. The polymeric solution coagulates to form an outer coating. As the outer coating is formed, the ends of the tubular extrudate can be sealed to form a cell capsule. In one embodiment, the tubular extrudate is sealed at intervals to define separate cell compartments connected by polymeric links.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.