Recent Advances in Artificial Cells With Emphasis on Biotechnological and Medical Approaches Based on Microencapsulation

This chapter discusses the developments contributing to advances in artificial cells. Biologically active materials retained inside the artificial cells can act on outside molecules which are able to cross the membranes, while products and other materials in the artificial cells may exit if they can pass through the artificial cell membranes. The presence of blood group antigens in red cell membrane, requires transfusion of compatible red blood cells. Hemoglobin, the protein contained in red blood cells, is responsible for oxygen uptake from the lungs and its release to the tissues. Conjugated hemoglobin is hemoglobin covalently linked to polymers. It began with the preparation of artificial cells having polymer-hemoglobin membranes. Some organic materials, especially silicone and fluorocarbon, can bind and release oxygen. Ion-exchange resins are potentially useful in hemoperfusion for the removal of specific drugs. Demonstration of the effectiveness of single enzyme systems led to research on artificial cells containing complex or multienzyme systems.