Silica-alginate composites for microencapsulation.

Optimisation of membrane properties of alginate microcapsules is a key factor for the application of microencapsulation techniques to bioartificial organ elaboration. Coacervation and layer-by-layer processes involving additional biopolymers have been extensively studied. Recently, the use of silica as a membrane-forming agent was investigated. This approach was rendered possible by the development of biocompatible routes to silica formation. The composites exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal stability as well as suitable diffusion properties. Moreover, encapsulated enzymes and cells retain their biological activities. Similarly, silica can be associated to many other biopolymers, opening a promising route for new biocomposites design and biotechnology applications.