Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review

Cell macroencapsulation devices (CMDs) represent a promising therapeutic approach by combining controlled, off-the-shelf technology with living tissue functionality. Despite their potential, the current knowledge about CMD development and implementation remains fragmented across different applicatio...

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Main Authors: Murillo D.L. Bernardi, Natascha Rus, Robin W.M. Vernooij, Marianne C. Verhaar, Maarten B. Rookmaaker
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:Regenerative Therapy
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425001294
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author Murillo D.L. Bernardi
Natascha Rus
Robin W.M. Vernooij
Marianne C. Verhaar
Maarten B. Rookmaaker
author_facet Murillo D.L. Bernardi
Natascha Rus
Robin W.M. Vernooij
Marianne C. Verhaar
Maarten B. Rookmaaker
author_sort Murillo D.L. Bernardi
collection DOAJ
description Cell macroencapsulation devices (CMDs) represent a promising therapeutic approach by combining controlled, off-the-shelf technology with living tissue functionality. Despite their potential, the current knowledge about CMD development and implementation remains fragmented across different applications. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the available evidence on implantable CMDs and establish a comprehensive framework for their development. Our analysis cataloged studies based on device materials and design, cell types, implantation strategies, and evaluation methods. The review revealed that CMD development has largely progressed in application-specific silos, with varying approaches to device characterization, cell selection (from xenogeneic to autologous), and assessment methods. Key evaluation parameters included cell survival and functionality, host tissue response (inflammation, vascularization, and fibrosis), and therapeutic efficacy. While successful implementations exist across multiple applications, the lack of standardized development and evaluation protocols emerges as a significant barrier to cross-application advancement. These findings highlight the need for unified assessment frameworks to accelerate CMD development across therapeutic applications.
format Article
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institution OA Journals
issn 2352-3204
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publishDate 2025-12-01
publisher Elsevier
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series Regenerative Therapy
spelling doaj-art-d81f56a222054135b2eb6fdf0fac21462025-08-20T02:08:35ZengElsevierRegenerative Therapy2352-32042025-12-013014415610.1016/j.reth.2025.05.013Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic reviewMurillo D.L. Bernardi0Natascha Rus1Robin W.M. Vernooij2Marianne C. Verhaar3Maarten B. Rookmaaker4University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Nephrology, Utrecht, the NetherlandsIndependent Researcher, the NetherlandsUniversity Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Nephrology, Utrecht, the NetherlandsUniversity Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Nephrology, Utrecht, the NetherlandsUniversity Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Nephrology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Corresponding author. University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.Cell macroencapsulation devices (CMDs) represent a promising therapeutic approach by combining controlled, off-the-shelf technology with living tissue functionality. Despite their potential, the current knowledge about CMD development and implementation remains fragmented across different applications. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the available evidence on implantable CMDs and establish a comprehensive framework for their development. Our analysis cataloged studies based on device materials and design, cell types, implantation strategies, and evaluation methods. The review revealed that CMD development has largely progressed in application-specific silos, with varying approaches to device characterization, cell selection (from xenogeneic to autologous), and assessment methods. Key evaluation parameters included cell survival and functionality, host tissue response (inflammation, vascularization, and fibrosis), and therapeutic efficacy. While successful implementations exist across multiple applications, the lack of standardized development and evaluation protocols emerges as a significant barrier to cross-application advancement. These findings highlight the need for unified assessment frameworks to accelerate CMD development across therapeutic applications.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425001294Cell encapsulationBioencapsulationBiomedical devicesImplantationTherapeutic delivery
spellingShingle Murillo D.L. Bernardi
Natascha Rus
Robin W.M. Vernooij
Marianne C. Verhaar
Maarten B. Rookmaaker
Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
Regenerative Therapy
Cell encapsulation
Bioencapsulation
Biomedical devices
Implantation
Therapeutic delivery
title Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
title_full Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
title_fullStr Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
title_short Cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research: A systematic review
title_sort cell macroencapsulation devices in contemporary research a systematic review
topic Cell encapsulation
Bioencapsulation
Biomedical devices
Implantation
Therapeutic delivery
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425001294
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AT mariannecverhaar cellmacroencapsulationdevicesincontemporaryresearchasystematicreview
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