Secretion of Marker Proteins from Alginate-Poly-L-Alginate Microcapsules and Hydroxythely Methacrylate-Methyl Methacrylate Capsules

Abstract

The objective of this study was to encapsulate cell lines that secrete marker proteins that cover a large molecular weight range (M^r from 45,000 to 300,000) and monitor the secretion of the marker proteins from alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules and hydroxyethyl methacrylatemethyl methacrylate (HEMA-MMA) thermoplastic capsules. Different parameters for the APA microcapsules, such as the duration of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and sodium citrate treatment, the initial cell density for encapsulation was studied, and their effects on secretion rate and cell proliferation were closely examined. Cell lines used for encapsulation secreted human growth hormone (hGH) (M^r 45,000), β-hexosaminidase (β-hexo.) (M^r 120,000) and β-glucuronidase (β-gluc.) (M^r 300,000). Monitoring the secretion rates, as well as the distribution of the marker proteins within the microcapsules following encapsulation enabled the permeability of the membrane to be assessed over one month in culture. Encapsulation of cell lines in both types of capsules was effective in producing viable cells capable of proliferating within a semi-permeable membrane. Encapsulating cells in single-coated APA microcapsules at 4°C, treated with 10 minutes PLL, 20 minutes sodium citrate and at a cell density of 2x10^6 cells/ml alginate was found to provide the most optimal conditions for prolonged viability of and stable secretion by the recombinant cells. Human growth hormone diffused readily across the capsule membrane into the culture media from both APA and HEMA-MMA capsules, at rates similar to the non-encapsulated cells. Human growth hormone did not accumulate in the intracapsular space in significant quantities. β-glucuronidase and β-hexosaminidase could diffuse across APA capsule membrane, but not across HEMA-MMA capsule membrane into surrounding media. β-glucuronidase secretion from APA microcapsules was 8-fold lower than non-encapsulated cells. β-hexosaminidase secretion from APA microcapsules was 4.5-fold lower than non-encapsulated cells. Slight retention of both β-glucuronidase and β-hexosaminidase was observed in the intracapsular space of APA capsules. HEMA-MMA capsules completely blocked the secretion of both β-glucuronidase and β-hexosaminidase out of the capsule. Massive accumulation of both kinds of secretory enzymes was found in the intracapsular space of HEMA-MMA capsules. This indicated APA microcapsules have a molecular weight cut-off of >300,000 whereas HEMA-MMA microcapsules have a molecular weight cut-off of <120,000.