The present invention provides for the coaxial encapsulation of a plurality of cells in a single elongated compartment. By this encapsulation, the cells are protected by at least one layer of separation material and kept in close contact, which leads to a better vitality of the encapsulated cells and consequently results in higher chances to form microtissue. Methods and devices for the production of such encapsulated cell compartments are disclosed as well as medical uses of such compartments in cell, tissue therapy and tissue engineering.