Introduction to artificial cells: concept, history, design, current status and future - Artificial Cells, Cell Engineering and Therapy - page 4

Table 1.1 Concept and relevance of artificial cells

Year Innovation Reference

1957 First polymeric artificial cells developed. 6

1964 The first scientific publication describing the principle

of artificial cells, including methods of preparation, in
vitro and in vivo studies and potential areas of
biotechnological and medical applications. Polymeric
artificial cells containing enzymes and haemoglobin
developed. Intermolecularly crosslinked protein
produced and conjugation of haemoglobin to polymer
achieved.

1

1965±1966 Extrusion drop technique for encapsulating intact cells
for immuno-isolation developed. Multi-compartment
artificial cells developed.

7±9

1966 Silastic artificial cells and microspheres containing

protein produced. Artificial cells containing magnetic
materials with other materials produced. The first
report on the use of biodegradable membrane
microcapsules and microparticles as delivery systems
for drugs and biotechnology products. This forms the
basis of many of the present approaches using
biodegradable microcapsules, microparticles,
nanocapsules, nanoparticles and others.

10, 11

1966±1969 Artificial cells with ultra-thin membranes, and which
contain adsorbents for use in hemoperfusion
developed.

11±13

1968 Implanted enzyme containing artificial cells used for

enzyme therapy in acatalesmic mice. The first scientific
report of the implantation of polymeric artificial cells
containing an enzyme for replacement of the deficient
gene in a mouse model of an inborn error of
metabolism.

14

1970±1975 First clinical use of artificial cells in patients (for
hemoperfusion).

11, 15, 16

1971 Implanted enzyme-containing artificial cells used for

lymphosarcoma suppression. Glutaraldehyde-
crosslinked haemoglobin used to form soluble
polyhemoglobin.

17, 18

1972 Crosslinked protein±lipid membrane artificial cells with

transport carrier produced.

8, 19

1976 Biodegradable polylactide microcapsules and

microparticles containing proteins and hormones
produced.

20

1977±1978 Artificial cells containing multi-enzyme systems with
cofactor recycling developed.

20±22

1980 Alginate±polylysine±alginate encapsulated islets

implanted into diabetic rats. Artificial cell membrane
with Na + K + -ATPase produced. The first report on the
laboratory demonstration of encapsulation of islets
and the ability of this to maintain a normal blood
glucose level when implanted.

5, 19