New Hyaluronan-Based Biomatrix for 3D Follicle Culture Yields Functionally Competent Oocytes

The study demonstrated that a novel hyaluronan-based biomatrix effectively supported 3-D culture of mouse ovarian follicles, leading to the production of functionally competent metaphase II oocytes. A total of 402 preantral follicles were cultured, with a 73% maturation rate to metaphase II and an 83% fertilization rate of in vitro matured oocytes, resulting in a 46% blastulation rate. The study also explored modifications of the hyaluronan gel with different extracellular matrices, which affected antrum formation but not maturation rates. The findings suggested that hyaluronan gel is a promising biomaterial for follicle culture, with potential applications for human follicles in future research.