Biomimetic Fibrin Matrix Modulates Early Human Follicular Growth Dynamics in a Bioengineered Artificial Ovary Derived...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is crucial for fertility preservation, especially for young patients and those undergoing gonadotoxic therapy.
• The risk of malignant cell reintroduction necessitates safer fertility preservation alternatives, such as follicle isolation and encapsulation.
• Fibrin is a potential biomaterial for engineered ovaries, but its efficacy in supporting early human follicle maintenance requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of fibrin scaffolds in supporting the short-term in vitro maintenance of isolated human ovarian follicles.
• To determine the optimal fibrin concentration for preserving follicle viability and promoting growth.

Main Methods:

• Human ovarian follicles were isolated from cryopreserved tissues.
• Follicles were encapsulated within fibrin scaffolds of varying concentrations (high, medium, low).
• Follicle survival and diameter changes were assessed after 7 days of in vitro culture.

Main Results:

• An overall follicle survival rate of 84% was achieved after in vitro culture.
• Follicle diameter increased significantly during culture.
• Medium-concentration fibrin scaffolds supported greater follicle diameter expansion compared to high and low concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Fibrin-based bioprosthetic ovary scaffolds can maintain isolated human follicles in vitro, preserving morphology and granulosa cell integrity.
• Scaffold composition influences early follicle morphometric changes, with medium-concentration fibrin showing superior results for follicle expansion.
• These findings suggest fibrin scaffolds are a viable option for developing safer fertility preservation strategies.