Encapsulation of living cells within the confines of an enveloping material
permits very high local cell densities to be achieved. Methodologies for b
ioencapsulation include liquid-based jet methods, drop techniques and emuls
ification. This review addresses the selection of suitable encapsulating ma
terial, enumerates polymers used in capsule formation and considers the sig
nificance of encapsulating eukaryotic cells. The importance of cell death a
s a factor limiting productivity of cell culture methods is emphasized.