G. Murtaza, M. Ahamd, N. Akhtar and F. Rasool, “A Comparative Study of Various Microencapsulation Techniques: Effect of Polymer Viscosity on Microcapsule Characteristics,” Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, Vol. 22, No. 3, 2009, pp. 291-300.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Leydig Cells Encapsulation with Alginate-Chitosan: Optimization of Microcapsule Formation

  AUTHORS: Irmanida Batubara, Devi Rahayu, Kusdiantoro Mohamad, Wahono Esthi Prasetyaningtyas

  KEYWORDS: Cell Encapsulation; Chitosan; Alginate; Microcapsule; Leydig Cells

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Encapsulation and Adsorption Sciences, Vol.2 No.2, June 12, 2012

  ABSTRACT: This research aimed to optimize the formation of microcapsules from alginate and chitosan for Leydig cells encapsulation. Alginate was used as the first coating agent while chitosan was the second layer. Various concentrations of alginate and CaCl2 were applied utilizing the extrusion method and the best concentration was determined based on their formation time, shape and diameter of microcapsules. Alginate microcapsule was applied with chitosan in various con- centrations. The best chitosan concentration was selected based on its mechanical stability. The results showed that the minimum concentration of alginate was 1.5% (w/v) with viscosity of 33.8 cPs, resulted to spherical microcapsules with diameters of 230 - 270 μm. The optimum concentration of chitosan as the second coating agent was 0.5% (w/v), resulted to spherical microcapsules with mechanical stability of 4 hours. Leydig cells were trapped inside the microcapsule with a density that is proportional to the concentration of cells used in the encapsulation.