Agarose encapsulation of islets of Langerhans: reduced toxicity in vitro

The physical and chemical properties of agarose have been exploited for encapsulation of islets of Langerhans. Formation of microcapsules by extrusion of a hydrophilic polymer (agarose) into a hydrophobic solution created an interface to which an immunoprotective membrane could be polymerized. The substances and procedure used were devoid of cellular toxicity. Islet function in vitro was found to be normal.