Maximizing Bovine Embryo Survival and Development in vitro through Novel Biomimetic Hydrogel Cultivation

This project aims to develop a hydrogel-based cultivation system for higher-mammalian embryo incubation, with a focus on cattle breeding and potential application in human embryo cultivation. The goal is to reduce mechanical manipulation, enhance embryo development, lower costs, and improve embryo survival rates. 

This study focuses on developing a 3D cultivation system for bovine embryos using a biomimetic hydrogel. The hydrogel, made of a fully bioresorbable copolymer (poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethyleneglycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide); PLGA-PEG-PLGA) will be synthesized and tested, since it gels at body temperature, is made of FDA-approved polymers and effectively releases growth factors and proteins. The hydrogel will be supplemented with hormones and peptides to enhance embryo development, with a specific focus on utilizing the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2). The project aims to prepare a hydrogel that efficiently releases bioactive substances supporting embryo growth from a polymer-based matrix while facilitating embryo development. The hydrogel’s stability in culturing media and its impact on embryo development will be evaluated.