Methods for Bioencapsulation of Enzymes and Cells

Methods to microencapsulate enzymes and cells including recombinant enzymes, stem cells, and genetically engineered cells have been described in this chapter. More specific examples of enzyme encapsulation include the microencapsulation of xanthine oxidase for Lesch Nyhan disease, phenylalanine ammonia lyase for phenylketonuria, and microencapsulation of multienzyme systems with cofactor recycling for multistep enzyme conversions. Methods for cell encapsulation include the details for encapsulating hepatocytes for liver failure and for gene therapy. This also includes the details of a novel two-step method for encapsulation of high concentrations of smaller cells. The recent co-encapsulation of bone marrow stem cells with hepatocytes is also included. Another new approach is the detailed method for encapsulation of genetically engineered Escherichia coli DH5 cells and other microorganisms for the removal or conversion metabolites. Another new approach is the nanoencapsulation of hemoglobin and enzymes to form 150-nm diameter nanocapsules; the details are available elsewhere.