Presented here is an investigation and comparison of two entrapment methods of algae. Conventional calcium alginate bead entrapment is compared to a recently described modified bead entrapment method, utilizing poly(ethylene glycol) and calcium alginate, which results in void or capillary formation within the beads. It is shown that algal growth rates within these modified beads is higher than in conventional calcium alginate beads. The conventional system resulted in a maximum growth rate of 1.0 x 107 (cells/ml beads)/day, while the modified beads resulted in a maximum growth rate of 1.8 x 107 (cells/ml beads)/day. Limiting the amount of cell escape from entrapped beads is an important aspect of this investigation. It could not be properly determined whether cell escape was reduced through use of modified beads, due to experimental complications, however, the use of a larger growth vessel reduced cell leakage due to a lessening of frictional forces acting on the beads.