Three-dimensional systems for in vitro follicular culture: overview of alginate-based matrices

• Published in: Reproduction fertility and development Vol. 26; no. 7; p. 915
• Main Authors: Brito, Ivina R, Lima, Isadora M T, Xu, Min, Shea, Lonnie D, Woodruff, Teresa K, Figueiredo, José R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 01-08-2014
• Subjects: Alginates - chemistry; Animals; Cell Communication; Cell Proliferation; Culture Media; Cytoskeleton - physiology; Female; Gap Junctions; Glucuronic Acid - chemistry; Granulosa Cells - physiology; Hexuronic Acids - chemistry; Humans; Hydrogels; Oocytes - growth & development; Oocytes - physiology; Ovarian Follicle - growth & development; Ovarian Follicle - ultrastructure; Theca Cells - physiology; Tissue Culture Techniques - instrumentation; Tissue Culture Techniques - methods
• ISSN: 1448-5990
• DOI: 10.1071/RD12401

The in vitro culture of ovarian follicles has provided critical insight into the biology of the follicle and its enclosed oocyte and the physical interaction and communication between the theca and granulosa cells and the oocyte that is necessary to produce meiotically competent oocytes. Various two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been developed to evaluate the effect of growth factors, hormones, extracellular matrix components and culture conditions on follicle development and oocyte growth and maturation. Among these culture systems, 3D systems make it possible to maintain follicle structure and support communication between the various cell compartments within the follicle. In this review article, we will discuss the three main approaches to ovarian follicle culture: 2D attachment systems, 3D floating systems and 3D encapsulated systems. We will specifically emphasise the development of and advances in alginate-based encapsulated systems for in vitro follicle culture.