microcarrier

in biotechnology
A small, beaded material, derived from silica, glass, dextran or similar materials, used for the immobilization of biocatalysts or as a support for the culture of anchorage-dependent animal cell lines.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143 (Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)) on page 160