title: Three-dimensional systems for in vitro follicular culture: overview of alginate-based matrices.
abstract: The in vitro culture of ovarian follicles has provided critical insight into the biology of the follicle and its enclosed oocyte and the physical interaction and communication between the theca and granulosa cells and the oocyte that is necessary to produce meiotically competent oocytes. Various two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been developed to evaluate the effect of growth factors, hormones, extracellular matrix components and culture conditions on follicle development and oocyte growth and maturation. Among these culture systems, 3D systems make it possible to maintain follicle structure and support communication between the various cell compartments within the follicle. In this review article, we will discuss the three main approaches to ovarian follicle culture: 2D attachment systems, 3D floating systems and 3D encapsulated systems. We will specifically emphasise the development of and advances in alginate-based encapsulated systems for in vitro follicle culture.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary, Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), PPGCV, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60740-930, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ivina R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.affiliation: Maurício de Nassau Faculty, Fortaleza, CE 60055-400, Brazil.
authors.forename: Isadora M T
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Biology and Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL, 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Biology and Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL, 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Lonnie D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Shea
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Biology and Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL, 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Teresa K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Woodruff
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary, Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), PPGCV, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60740-930, Brazil.
authors.forename: José R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003470:Culture Media; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D009865:Oocytes / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000502:physiology; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D003470:Culture Media; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020100:Hydrogels; D020723:Glucuronic Acid