Encapsulation devices to enhance graft survival: The latest in the development of micro and macro encapsulation devices to improve clinical, xeno, and stem cell transplantation outcomes

This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the most current technologies and studies being undertaken in the development of micro and macro encapsulation devices to improve clinical, xeno, and stem cell transplantation outcomes. Encapsulation devices are an alternative to the use of toxic immunosuppressive drugs to protect transplanted cells from rejection. Encapsulated cell therapy is a unique science combining both engineering and biology that must work harmoniously to be effective. The best device, no matter how biocompatible will not work if the encapsulated cells don’t also function effectively. Encapsulation devices of many types with different symmetries and chemistries have been engineered for many years. While the clinical studies with current technologies provide hope and promise for patients, there is still scope for engineers and biologists to work together to improve encapsulated cell therapies into a product that can treat many patients. In this chapter we investigate the structure and biocompatibility of various micro and macro devices, the site of implantation to maximize the best function along with the immune protection of encapsulated transplants including; allograft protection, xenograft protection, and autoimmune protection. We further investigate and describe how device vascularisation occurs and can be aided to better develop devices and the efficacy of those devices.