Atomic force microscopy used for the surface characterization of microcapsule immunoisolation devices

The surface morphology of the microcapsule used as a bioartificial pancreas was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) under ambient conditions in a liquid environment. The standard contact mode was used for imaging. The capsules exhibited different morphologies and surface roughness depending on the composition of the cation solution: namely, the mole ratio of antigelling and gelling cations [Na+]/[Ca2+]. Surface roughness parameters obtained by AFM measurements provide quantitative information on the surface properties of the capsular membrane. In this respect, AFM can be considered a valuable technique complementary to optical microscopy in providing feedback for capsule optimization.