Figure 2. Microencapsulation through complex coacervation and modular assembly.

(A) Droplets of cells suspended in a polyanionic solution were dispensed into a stirred chitosan solution. Ionic interactions between the oppositely charged polymers formed an insoluble ionic complex membrane at the droplet-solution interface, thus encapsulating the suspended cells. Capsule were washed surface-stabilized with a suitable anionic polymer solution, and transferred to culture. (B) Cell laden capsules can be assembled in a packed bed fashion with interconnected endothelialized channels that may enable perfusion of fluids such as blood with limited adverse reactions.