The concept of using encapsulation for the immunoprotection of transplanted cells was
introduced for the first time in the 1960s. [Microencapsulated cells] might be protected from
destruction and from partici pation in immunological processes while the enclosing membrane
would be permeable to small molecules of specific cellular product which could then enter the
general extracellular compartment of the recipient. For instance encapsulated endocrine cells
might survive and maintain an effective supply of hormone. (Chang Ph.D. Thesis McGill
University 1965 Chang et aI. Can J Physiol PharmacoI44:115-128 1966). We asked Connaught
Laboratories Ltd. in Toronto to put this concept into practice. In 1980 Lim and Sun from
Connaught Laboratories reported on the successful implantation of poly-I-Iysine-alginate
encapsu lated rat islets into a foreign host. [Lim and Sun Science 210:908-909 1980]. Now
many groups around the world are making tremendous progress in the encapsulation of a multitude
of cell types. Kiihtreiber Lanza and Chick have invited many cell encapsulation groups from
around the world to contribute to this book. The result is a very useful reference book in this
rapidly growing area. With so many excellent au thors describing in detail the different areas
of cell encapsulation my role here will be to briefly discuss a few points.
