Design of 3D hydrogel system for ovarian follicle culture

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The need for fertility preservation in females facing anticancer therapies provides an opportunity to use biomaterials in the field of reproductive biology. Presently, there are no in vitro technologies that can support the maturation of the immature female germ cell, the oocyte, into the developmental stage that can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the creation of offspring beyond the laboratory mouse. We synthesize and design biomaterials

that can support healthy development of the immature ovarian follicle, while preserving its 3D architecture.