Mild nanoencapsulation of single mammalian cells by surface initiated polymerization

A mild and convenient strategy for single-cell encapsulation was developed. It relied on cell surface-initiated <i>in situ</i> polymerization <i>via</i> the Michael reaction following chemical reduction. By preventing macro-external penetration and enabling nutrient/metabolite diffusion, the "cell-in-shell" structures ensured the cell's native function and viability.