A bioprosthetic ovary created using 3D printed microporous scaffolds restores ovarian function in sterilized mice

Monica M. Laronda, Alexandra L. Rutz, Shuo Xiao, Kelly A. Whelan, Francesca E. Duncan, Eric W. Roth, Teresa K. Woodruff and Ramille N. Shah ()
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Monica M. Laronda: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Alexandra L. Rutz: Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University
Shuo Xiao: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Kelly A. Whelan: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Francesca E. Duncan: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Eric W. Roth: Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, Northwestern University
Teresa K. Woodruff: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Ramille N. Shah: Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Emerging additive manufacturing techniques enable investigation of the effects of pore geometry on cell behavior and function. Here, we 3D print microporous hydrogel scaffolds to test how varying pore geometry, accomplished by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, affects the survival of ovarian follicles. 30° and 60° scaffolds provide corners that surround follicles on multiple sides while 90° scaffolds have an open porosity that limits follicle–scaffold interaction. As the amount of scaffold interaction increases, follicle spreading is limited and survival increases. Follicle-seeded scaffolds become highly vascularized and ovarian function is fully restored when implanted in surgically sterilized mice. Moreover, pups are born through natural mating and thrive through maternal lactation. These findings present an in vivo functional ovarian implant designed with 3D printing, and indicate that scaffold pore architecture is a critical variable in additively manufactured scaffold design for functional tissue engineering.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15261

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