Method for implanting encapsulated cells in a host

Patent Number: 5550050

Microencapsulation allows delivery of immunologically incompatible cells to a recipient. The technology of microencapsulation has been used clinically for a variety of uses, including administration of cell therapy ranging from neurons to islets.

The use of embryonic stem cells may require encapsulation so has to not only overcome the allogeneic barriers, but also to prevent growth and escape of cells which de-differentiated to cancer cells.

This patent appears to be a far reaching one, covering numerous procedures and concepts. This may be worthwhile to investigate further, expecially given the large amounts of companies that are currently competing in the area of microencapsulation technology.

View this patent on the USPTO website.