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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
A Method for Ovarian Follicle Encapsulation and Culture in a Proteolytically Degradable 3 Dimensional System
Published on: March 15, 2011
Encapsulated three-dimensional culture supports development of nonhuman primate secondary follicles
Min Xu1, Erin R West-Farrell, Richard L Stouffer
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
In vitro ovarian follicle cultures may provide fertility-preserving options to women facing premature infertility due to cancer therapies. An encapsulated three-dimensional (3-D) culture system utilizing biomaterials to maintain cell-cell communication and support follicle development to produce a mature oocyte has been developed for the mouse. We tested whether this encapsulated 3-D system would also support development of nonhuman primate preantral follicles, for which in vitro growth has not been reported. Three questions were investigated: Does the cycle stage at which the follicles are isolated affect follicle development? Does the rigidity of the hydrogel influence follicle survival and growth? Do follicles require luteinizing hormone (LH), in addition to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), for steroidogenesis? Secondary follicles were isolated from adult rhesus monkeys, encapsulated within alginate hydrogels, and cultured individually for
