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Alginate-polylysine (PLL) capsules are commonly applied for immunoprotection of endocrine tissues. Alginate is composed of mannuronic acid (M) and guluronic acid (G). Different types of alginate have different ratios of G to M, but little is known of the influence of these differences on biocompatibility. Therefore, we have investigated in vivo the effect of the G-content of the alginate on the biocompatibility of the capsules. Capsules prepared of commercially available alginates with either a high or an intermediate G-content were implanted in the peritoneal cavity of rats and retrieved one month later for histological evaluation. The fibrotic reaction was more severe against high-G alginate capsules than to intermediate-G alginate capsules. The majority of the high-G capsules proved to be overgrown and adherent to the abdominal organs whereas with intermediate-G alginate most capsules were found freely floating in …