First Step in Developing a 3D Biodegradable Fibrin Scaffold for an Artificial Ovary

Overview

Journal J Ovarian Res

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Gynecology & Obstetrics
Reproductive Medicine

Date 2013 Nov 27

PMID 24274108

Citations 33

Authors

Valerie Luyckx

Marie-Madeleine Dolmans

Julie Vanacker

Sarah R Scalercio

Jacques Donnez

Christiani A Amorim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Although transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is a promising approach to restore fertility in cancer patients, it is not advisable for women at risk of ovarian involvement due to the threat of reintroducing malignant cells. The aim of this study was therefore to find an alternative for these patients by development of an artificial ovary.

Methods: For construction of the artificial ovary matrix, we used a central composite design to investigate nine combinations of fibrinogen (mg/ml) and thrombin (IU/mL) (F/T): F1/T4, F12.5/T1, F12.5/T20, F25/T0.1, F25/T4, F25/T500, F50/T1, F50/T20 and F100/T4. From the first qualitative analyses (handling and matrix size), five combinations (F12.5/T1, F25/T4, F50/T20, F50/T1 and F100/T4) yielded positive results. They were further evaluated in order to assess fibrin matrix degradation and homogeneous cell encapsulation (density), survival and proliferation (Ki67), and atresia (TUNEL) before and after 7 days of in vitro culture. To determine the best compromise between maximizing the dynamic density (Y1) and minimizing the apoptosis rate (Y2), we used the desirability function approach.

Results: Two combinations (F12.5/T1 and F25/T4) showed greater distribution of cells before in vitro culture, reproducible degradation of the fibrin network and adequate support for isolated human ovarian stromal cells, with a high proportion of Ki67-positive cells. SEM analysis revealed a network of fibers with regular pores and healthy stromal cells after in vitro culture with both F/T combinations.

Conclusion: This study reports two optimal F/T combinations that allow survival and proliferation of isolated human ovarian cells. Further studies are required to determine if such a scaffold will also be a suitable environment for isolated ovarian follicles.

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Perfusion and Ultrasonication Produce a Decellularized Porcine Whole-Ovary Scaffold with a Preserved Microarchitecture.

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Mind the mechanical strength: tailoring a 3D matrix to encapsulate isolated human preantral follicles.

Dadashzadeh A, Moghassemi S, Peaucelle A, Lucci C, Amorim C Hum Reprod Open. 2023; 2023(2):hoad004.

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Design and Application Strategies of Natural Polymer Biomaterials in Artificial Ovaries.

Peng X, Cheng C, Zhang X, He X, Liu Y Ann Biomed Eng. 2023; 51(3):461-478.

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An Update on In Vitro Folliculogenesis: A New Technique for Post-Cancer Fertility.

Labrune E, Salle B, Lornage J Biomedicines. 2022; 10(9).

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