Tissue Engineered Ovary

Abstract

An engineered ovary could benefit a variety of patients with ovarian insufficiency including those with an inherited condition, de novo mutation, or those whose treatment regimens could reduce ovarian function. This chapter highlights the impact of developing an engineered ovary, highlights the important features of an ovary to be recreated, and reviews the current state of fertility preservation. Encapsulating hydrogels and scaffolds have been used to restore ovarian hormones and fertility in animal models and to monitor in vitro growth of human ovarian cells. Additional advancements to these technologies will rely on an understanding of ovarian biology in order to recapitulate and restore long-term and physiological function. Considerations for the different microenvironments within the cortical and medullar compartments and cell types that support oocyte maturation, including granulosa and heterogeneous stromal cells, will be essential for recreating appropriate folliculogenesis. Mechanical cues and facilitation of paracrine and endocrine signals to reach target cells can also be tailored within engineered environments. These studies may one day improve the current fertility restoration options or even provide options for patients that currently lack options.