Page 454 - IJB-10-4

International Journal of Bioprinting Biomechanical mimic-based artificial oviduct system

1. Introduction Mechanotransduction is a well-defined biomechanical
process and an important regulator of many cellular
Infertility has increased globally since 1978 after the first processes, such as stem cell differentiation, tumorigenesis,
baby was born by in vitro fertilization, and the number of cancer metastasis, cell migration, and cell apoptosis.
13
patients that still require support by assisted reproduction Biomechanical technologies are currently used for
techniques (ART) to achieve pregnancy has grown and will stem cell therapy and cancer therapy without radiation,
continue to increase. The success of in vitro fertilization enhancing tissue regeneration based on biomaterial
1
has improved dramatically with advances such as stiffness. Mechanotransduction and biomechanical
7,14
controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, oocyte and embryo properties of the cellular environment are essential for
cryopreservation, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. 2–4 biological activities and affect these processes via physical
However, in ART, healthy live birth ratios remain force. Biomechanical technologies alter different
15
unsatisfactory for male and female infertility patients. parameters for cell culture, including stiffness, sheer force,
Therefore, in reproductive medicine, the development and contact force. However, biomechanical signaling
16
of new technologies is required to overcome infertility. under these conditions is incompletely understood and
Therefore, the present study sought to determine if is contingent on the type of biomaterials and biophysical
recapitulating the biomechanical properties of the oviduct force. For reproductive cells and systems, such as oocytes
17
could contribute to the success of reproductive medicine. 5–7
and embryos, optimal biomechanical parameters and
The oviduct is a complex tube bridging the ovary to mechanisms of mechanical signaling in response to specific
8,9
the uterus in mammalian females. The oviduct has a forces are incompletely understood and must be elucidated
tubular structure that supports cellular and molecular to improve clinical applications.
18
processes necessary for normal fertilization and zygote 3D bioprinting allows the fabrication of materials
development to produce a viable embryo. Therefore, with desired mechanical properties and uses components
oviduct fluid supports important biological factors, such as plastic and viscoelastic materials. As the 3D
19
such as growth factors, hormones, and nutrients, to structure can be programmed via computer-aided design/
promote fertilization and preimplantation embryonic computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems,
development. These factors are well-defined and are used bioprinting can produce complex 3D shapes with high
10
in embryo culture media for in vitro fertilization of human reproducibility. 20–22 Bioprinting is extensively employed
oocytes and embryos. However, oviducts also have to replicate 3D-functional living tissue, as it enables
11
specific biomechanical properties that support fertilization the creation of hydrogels that closely mimic in vivo
6
and embryo development. The human oviduct comprises
three primary longitudinal regions designated from the conditions, and can be applied to tissues with rigid to soft
However, few studies have applied 3D
properties.
21,23,24
ovary to the uterus: (i) the infundibulum (fimbriae in bioprinting technologies to reproductive tissue. Previously,
humans), which comprises primarily ciliated epithelial Wu et al. used 3D bioprinting to construct an ovarian
cells; (ii) the ampulla, which contains large numbers of scaffold with functional ovarian follicle units to mimic
ciliated epithelial cells and is the site of fertilization; and the ovaries. However, research on the oviduct, which
25
(iii) the isthmus, which is abundant in secretory epithelial is essential to develop a healthy pregnancy, is limited,
cells. The oviduct transports gametes and embryos, particularly regarding the effects of mechanical culture
9
and provides biochemical and biophysical support for conditions on mechanical stimulation signaling. 26
preimplantation embryonic development. In addition,
5–7
direct and indirect evidence suggests both physical and Hydrogels used for 3D bioprinting must mimic the
molecular interactions among gametes, embryos, and the tissue microstructure and provide a suitable cellular
23
oviduct. Oviduct dysfunction can lead to infertility or microenvironment. Hydrogels should also be easy to
pathophysiological conditions such as ectopic pregnancy process and possess biological and physical properties
due to impaired embryo transport. Biomechanical support that induce necessary cell interactions and responses.
is necessary to prevent ectopic pregnancy, which occurs due Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels are commonly
to impaired embryo transport. The oviduct also provides used due to their biocompatibility and easily manipulated
9
mechanical stimulations, such as sheer force, nano- physical properties. GelMA is a gelatin substrate that
27
vibration, and shaking to support embryo development. uses the methacrylic anhydride (MA) reaction to induce
Nano-vibration culture systems are currently in use for photocrosslinking. Therefore, GelMA has sol–gel
28
ARTs. Previously, mechanical properties of the human transition properties that can be adjusted by temperature,
5
oviduct have been identified analyzed by JPK NanoWizard and the methacrylamide and methacrylate side groups
II AFM (NanoWizard II, JPK, Berlin, Germany) and on the GelMA chains can manipulate photocrosslinking.
reported at about 11.5 kPa. 12 In addition, GelMa supports cell behavior because it has
Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 446 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3346