The cell-loaded alginate microspheres in cell culture and disease treatment

Due to the properties of biocompatibility, affordability, and high-throughput production capabilities, alginate-based biomaterials have been extensively studied in the biomedical field, which can be developed into scaffolds, hydrogels, and microspheres. To date, alginate microspheres encapsulating cells have been particularly attractive in cell culture, organoid construction, and tissue engineering applications because alginate microspheres can maintain exchange with external nutrients while providing immune isolation effects. This review summarizes various preparation methods for alginate microspheres loaded with cells, highlighting techniques such as extrusion, electrostatic microdroplet generation, coaxial airflow spraying, and microfluidics. Each method is evaluated for its advantages and disadvantages in terms of particle size, uniformity, and encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, the review presents the recent development of cell-loaded alginate microspheres in the treatment of diabetes, bone defects, and liver failure, as well as their role in fabricating 3D tumor for drug screening. Finally, we also conclude by discussing the current limitations and future directions of alginate microspheres for improving therapeutic outcomes in various medical applications. Overall, alginate microspheres represent a significant advancement in the field of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering.