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Updated: Sep 15, 2026
Application of a Novel Hyaluronan Hydrogel for Three-Dimensional Follicle Culture and Methodology for Mouse Ovarian Follicle Cryopreservation
Published on: May 9, 2025
Microencapsulation for Cryopreservation of Mouse Preantral Follicles
Gang Zhao1, Yue Cheng2, Conghui Tian2
1Laboratory for Cryo-Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. zhaog@ustc.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Recent advances in microencapsulation for cryopreservation have transformed cell preservation through innovative hydrogel-based strategies. By leveraging the ice-inhibiting properties of three-dimensional hydrogel networks, this approach significantly reduces reliance on toxic cryoprotectants while maintaining high cell viability. The technology has demonstrated remarkable success across diverse cell types, from human mesenchymal stem cells and erythrocytes to murine reproductive tissues. This chapter presents a comprehensive protocol using mouse follicles as a model system, detailing: (1) mechanical follicle isolation, (2) centrifugal microfluidic encapsulation in alginate hydrogels, (3) synthesis of magnetothermal nanoparticles, and (4) optimized vitrification/rewarming processes. The integrated methodology combines the protective benefits of physical encapsulation with advanced nanowarming techniques, establishing a robust platform for low-toxicity, high-efficiency cryopreservation.
