O-266 Encapsulation of human preantral follicles in an optimized hydrogel with similar mechanical strength of reproductive-age ovarian tissue

Abstract Study question Could a hydrogel with similar mechanical properties of reproductive age ovarian cortex support the growth human preantral follicles? Summary answer Yes, our optimized PEGylated fibrin tailored strength provides suitable substrate for follicle survival and growth. What is known already The most challenging part assembling an engineered ovary developing appropriate scaffold that can maintain spatial architecture allow them to have radial development1-3. Fibrin promising biomaterial due its biocompatibility bioactivity. Although has been used as in fabricating different tissues such ovary, it fast degradation rate resulting loss physical isolated follicles4-6. Therefore, various approaches or chemical modifications investigated overcome limitation7-10. design, size, duration PEGylation reaction was control degradation. Moreover, create encapsulating follicles, Response Surface Methodology find formulation reproductive-age cortex. chosen vitro culture follicles 7 days. Participants/materials, setting, methods Design-Expert® software employed optimize match tissues. Preantral from patients were embedded cultured Follicle viability diameter evaluated on days 1 7. confocal microscopy analysis performed whole confirm their by Ki67 staining granulosa cells. Main results role chance In this study, biomechanically obtained mathematical modeling. established setting specific goal targeting 3178 ± 245 Pa, Young’s modulus tissue fragments women11, order obtain concentration fibrinogen thrombin. Our showed optimum condition desirability 97.5% occurred containing 39.06 mg/ml 50.36 IU/ml thrombin 3512.31±656.97 pa. Isolated significantly increased 48.5±10.8µm (day 1) 222.5±84.5µm 7), indicating suitability did not differ (86.9±8.9% 83.4±6.4%, respectively). confirmed presence Ki67-positive cells at day Limitations, reasons caution first only vitro, which actual physiological condition. essential perform study analyzing after encapsulation transplantation, will be next step study. Wider implications findings introduced biomaterial, resembles age, follicles. optimal allowed enhanced stability Trial registration number applicable