Microbial, algal, plant and animal cells have been immobilized, with preserved viability, by entrapment in various matrices according to a new bead polymerization technique. The cell polymer/monomer mixture is kept suspended in a hydrophobic phase such as soy, paraffin, or silicon oil, tri-n-butylphosphate, or dibutyphtalate, which is compatible with the cells. The various monomers or polymers tested include agarose, agar, carrageenan, alginate, fibrin, and polyacrylamide. Furthermore, by adjustment of the stirring speed of the suspension, beads of desired diameter can easily be obtained. The entrapped cells are fully viable and biosynthetically active.