Testicular extracellular matrix/gelatin-based scaffold using gas foaming to support spermatogonial stem cells

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

4 Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

5 Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran

6 ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

7 Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2025.83885.18150

Abstract

Objective(s): Developing a bioactive testicular scaffold has been proposed as a potential option to preserve male fertility. Using the gas foaming method, this study aimed to fabricate an effective and highly porous scaffold derived from a gelatin-testicular extracellular matrix. 
Materials and Methods: Male ram testis decellularization was performed using a combination of NaCl buffer and Triton. Then, evaluations were done for 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and quantitative DNA content. Masson’s trichrome, Alcian blue, and orcein staining were conducted to ensure the maintenance of ECM components post-decellularization. Porous scaffolds were fabricated using gelatin incorporation with various concentrations of extracted ECM via the gas foaming method. The mechanical and structural characteristics of the scaffolds, along with evaluations of cell spreading and penetration depth, were performed. Furthermore, scaffolds were used to culture mouse spermatogonial stem cells to investigate the morphology, viability, and adhesion of the cells on the scaffolds.
Results: Our results showed successful decellularization of testicular tissue, resulting in significant removal of DNA content while preserving ECM major components. The hybrid scaffolds exhibited uniform porous microstructures with a pore size average ranging from 298-330 μm. There were no significant differences in biodegradation and swelling ratios between the scaffolds. The cell penetration index significantly increased in gel-ECM by 5% compared to other groups. Also, ECM5% led to increased cell attachment and viability, proper compressive strength, and a decrease in Young’s module. 
Conclusion: Our study suggests that using a combination of testicular ECM and gelatin shows promise in constructing bioartificial testes through the gas-foaming method.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 28, Issue 8
August 2025
Pages 1107-1118

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