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Polycaprolactone/Testicular Extracellular Matrix/Graphene Oxide-Based Electrospun Tubular Scaffolds for Reproductive Medicine: Biomimetic Architecture of Seminiferous Tubules Publisher Pubmed



Mohammadi A1, 2 ; Koruji M1, 2 ; Azami M3, 4 ; Shabani R5 ; Mohandesnezhad S3 ; Bashiri Z2, 6, 7 ; Asgari H1, 2
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 88770048, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614525, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1417755469, Iran
  4. 4. Joint Reconstruction Research Center (JRRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1417755469, Iran
  5. 5. Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
  6. 6. Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517789971, Iran
  7. 7. Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, 6516796198, Iran

Source: Macromolecular Bioscience Published:2024


Abstract

Numerous scaffolds are developed in the field of testicular bioengineering. However, effectively replicating the spatial characteristics of native tissue, poses a challenge in maintaining the requisite cellular arrangement essential for spermatogenesis. In order to mimic the structural properties of seminiferous tubules, the objective is to fabricate a biocompatible tubular scaffold. Following the decellularization process of the testicular tissue, validation of cellular remnants' elimination from the specimens is conducted using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and DNA content analysis. The presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) components is confirmed through Alcian blue, Orcein, and Masson's trichrome staining techniques. The electrospinning technique is employed to synthesize the scaffolds using polycaprolactone (PCL), extracted ECM, and varying concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) (0.5%, 1%, and 2%). Subsequently, comprehensive evaluations are performed to assess the properties of the synthetic scaffolds. These evaluations encompass Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy imaging, scaffold degradation testing, mechanical behavior analysis, methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay, and in vivo biocompatibility assessment. The PCL/decellularized extracellular matrix with 0.5% GO formulation exhibits superior fiber morphology and enhanced mechanical properties, and outperforms other groups in terms of in vitro biocompatibility. Consequently, these scaffolds present a viable option for implementation in “in vitro spermatogenesis” procedures, holding promise for future sperm production from spermatogonial cells. © 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.