A Review on Application of Three Dimensional Culture and Testicular Scaffolds to Induction of in-Vitro Spermatogenesis

Induction of in vitro spermatogenesis can be useful for infertility treatment in azoospermic patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. Different culture systems have been used to achieve this goal. This review study was performed with the aim to evaluate the application of 3D culture and testicular scaffolds in the establishment of in vitro spermatogenesis. In this review study, the information on the application of 3D culture and testicular scaffolds in induction of in vitro spermatogenesis was searched in databases such as SID, Magiran, PubMed, Irandoc, Iranmedx Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science using the keywords of three dimensional culture, testicular scaffold, spermatogenesis, spermatogonial stem cells without time limitation. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively. Finally, 35 papers in English and Persian were used to compile the article. In order to induce of in vitro spermatogenesis, three-dimensional culture methods such as testicular tissue culture, soft agar culture system, natural biomaterial scaffolds such as collagen, and scaffolds derived from decellularized testis have been used.

Three-dimensional culture using spermatogonial stem cells and scaffolds can be used in vitro for induction of spermatogenesis, but there are further technical and ethical challenges in the path of fertile sperm production for the treatment of infertility.