J. DRUG DEL. SCI. TECH., 14 (3) 167-172 2004

D. Vigo, M.L. Torre*, M. Faustini, E. Munari, V. Russo, R. Norberti, S. Villani, A. Asti, P.P. Bini, U. Conte

Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Veterinarie per la Sicurezza Alimentare, via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italia

Dipartimento di Chimica Farmaceutica, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italia

Dipartimento di Scienze Sanitarie Applicate e Psicocomportamentali, via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italia

Centro Grandi Strumenti, via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italia

Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italia

*Correspondence: marina.torre@unipv.it

Encapsulation in a barium alginate membrane is a promising strategy to obtain a three dimensional culture of living cells: membrane properties are crucial for a realistic clinical application. A one-step encapsulation technique, recently developed for controlled release of boar semen, was employed to prepare barium alginate and protamine-alginate membranes: permeability to two model molecules (haemoglobin and glucose) was evaluated. Capsules were evaluated for technological properties and scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the external morphology of the capsules and the 3D distribution of the cells within the core. The results indicate that 3D arrangement and cell shape are maintained, capsule dimensions and mechanical properties can be modulated, as well as their permeability to model molecules such as haemoglobin and glucose.