A case of successful interaction between cells derived from human ovarian follicular liquid and gelatin cryogel for biotech and medical applications

Significant research efforts have been undertaken in the last decade to develop specific cell-based therapies and, in particular, adult multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise toward such regenerative strategies. Biomaterials have been widely used in reconstructive bone surgery to heal critical-size bone defects due to trauma, tumor resection, and tissue degeneration. In particular, gelatin cryogel scaffolds are promising new biomaterials owing to their biocompatibility. There is an increasing demand for MSC-based regenerative approaches in the musculoskeletal system. Combining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds provides a promising strategy for tissue engineering. Our previous studies showed the possibility to obtain MSCs from the human ovarian follicular liquid (FL) that is usually wasted during in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, we tested the ability of these FL cells to grow on gelatin cryogel in comparison with MSCs derived from human bone marrow. Samples and controls were analyzed with confocal and scanning electron microscopes. Results demonstrated that FL cells could grow on the biomaterial not only on the top but also in the layers below till 60 μm of deepness. Data suggested that the observed cells were mesenchymal since positive for vimentin and CD-44, typical MSC markers. Successful growth of putative MSCs derived from follicular liquid on 3D gelatin cryogel opens potential developments in biotech and medical applications.