Female Bioengineering: Primordial Germ Cell Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells onto Placental Scaffolds

Introduction: Female infertility is a condition that is currently treated through the maximization of existing reserves; a necessity due to the fact that a true reversal of the processes leading to infertility is not yet technologically possible. This experiment examined the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into primordial germ cells (PGC) when cultured onto the placental scaffold. Methods: To produce the scaffolds, the cotelydons were collected and decellularized by umbilical vessel SDS perfusion. Adipose derived cells were isolated based on rapid adherence to the plastic. Results: The isolated cells displayed the markers CD90 and 105, while lacked CD34 and CD45. When seeded onto the scaffold, the cells successfully differentiated into PGC like cells, displaying typical PGCs markers, including STELLA, OCT4, DAZL and VASA. Discussion: These materials were chosen for their low cost and wide availability. The data in this study show the promising potential of cell-scaffold complex to support the development of female tissue engineering-based regenerative medicine therapies.