Immobilization of biological cells in polytetrafluoroethylene matrix

摘要

A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibril matrix is prepared containing entrapped viable cells such as animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast cells. Cells are blended with surfactant and soap-free PTFE in aqueous dispersion to form a damp paste. Water is added to the paste and a resultant stiff dough is biaxially calendered between calendering rolls to cause fibrillation and form the PTFE fibril matrix. Calendering is preferably carried out at a temperature of 5 DEG to 70 DEG C. and a pressure of 1000 to 3000 MPa. The fibril matrix may be dried.