Implantable biocompatible immunoisolatory vehicle for the delivery of selected therapeutic products

Patent Number: 6322804

This patent provides methods of encapsulating cells so that they will not be rejected by the recipient immune system. Encapsulation devices such as this should be considered not only for the protection of the cells that are administered, but also for protection of the host from the cells. For example, lets say that embryonic stem cells are administered into a degenerating organ for the purposes of "rejuvenation" by means of soluble factors secreted by the embryonic stem cells...in this situation, one would not want the embryonic stem cells to be capable of leaving a distinct anatomical location since they may cause cancer. Microencapsulation, and distinct localization of the cells so that they may subsequently be extracted is a good idea.

View this patent on the USPTO website.