| abstract |
A composition for containing biological material for in vivo implantation and transplantation comprising alginate cross-linked with barium salt, preferably barium chloride. The microcapsule may optionally have as its other layers hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lysine. Also alginate cross-linked with both calcium chloride and barium chloride may be used. The microcapsule of the present invention is rugged and retains a strong negative charge, enhancing the release of protein and limiting the invasion of immunoglobulins. The microcapsule may preferably be used for encapsulating islets of Langerhans for the production of insulin. |