| abstract |
Spherical polymer particles can be produced by dissolving water-soluble monomers or polymers in a hydrophobic solvent, such as toluene or chloroform. However, these solvents have a dehydrating effect on sensitive biological materials if these are simultaneously enclosed in polymer particles. The present invention shows that it is possible to enclose sensitive biological materials, such as plant cells and animal cells, in spherical polymer particles while maintaining their viability and their growth capacity, if an appropriate combination of polymer and dispersing medium is used. The polymer is chosen from agar, agarose, Irish pearl foam, chitosan, gelatin, collagen and fibrinogen, and the monomer is preferably an acrylic monomer. The dispersion medium is selected from paraffin oil, vegetable oils, liquid silicone and tri-n-butyl phosphate. |