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

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…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: NNCI-1542205, NSF DMR-1121262, 1542205, DMR-1121262, DGE-1324585, 1324585, 1121262
• BW
  Burroughs Wellcome Fund
• WM
  W. M. Keck Foundation
• NU
  Northwestern University

  Awards: CA060553, NCI CCSG P30 CA060553, NSF DMR-1121262, NSF NNCI-1542205, DMR-1121262, P30 CA060553
• UO
  University of Virginia

  Award: P50-HD28934
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: P50HD076188, CCSG P30 CA060553, NCI CCSG P30 CA060553, UH3TR001207, 1K01DK099454-01, P30 CA060553, CCSG P30, 1K01DK099454, HD28934, P50-HD28934, CA060553
• MR
  Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University

  Awards: NSF DMR-1121262, DMR-1121262
• II
  International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: NCI CCSG P30 CA060553, P30 CA060553, CCSG P30 CA060553, CA060553
• NI
  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Awards: NSF DMR-1121262, DMR-1121262, NNCI-1542205, 1121262
• NC
  National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

  Award: UH3TR001207
• CF
  Common Fund