Apium graveolens (celery) cells immobilized in coacervate capsules using alginate or carrageenan crosslinked with water‐soluble chitosan demonstrated cell outgrowth, respiration rates, and total protein recoveries equal to or greater than cells immobilized in the same polymers without the chitosan shell. Amaranthin recovery from cell extracts and medium ofChenopodium rubrumcell suspensions treated with dissolved water‐soluble chitosan were greater than pigment recoveries from acid soluble chitosan treated cells, and the cells demonstrated higher viability. Release from cell suspensions treated with 1,000 ug chitosan/ml medium was comparable to release from dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)‐ treated suspensions. Protein release fromDaucus carotasuspensions treated with dissolved water‐soluble chitosan demonstrated increasing release with increasing chitosan concentration, maintaining viability greater than freely suspended controls even at 1,000 ug/ml levels.