Design and Characterization of Tunable 3D Hydrogel Microenvironments for Enhanced Embryo Development

Design and Characterization of Tunable 3D Hydrogel Microenvironments for Enhanced Embryo Development

Abstrakt

Assisted reproductive technologies, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), remain limited by suboptimal embryo development under in vitro conditions. To better mimic the natural extracellular matrix, this study develops thixotropic hydrogel substrates for 3D embryo culture. The hydrogels are based on combination of the synthetic polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polysaccharides polymers, enabling tuning of their mechanical and rheological properties. The hydrogels are prepared by physical freeze–thaw crosslinking, avoiding chemical crosslinkers and improving biocompatibility. The substrates are fabricated as cast or 3D-printed structures using extrusion bioprinting, with parameters optimized for shape fidelity. Rheological testing determines the storage and loss moduli, while properties of the resulting hydrogel-based inks will be further characterized by rheometry. In addition, 3D-printed substrates will be evaluated using in vitro stability and degradation tests in different physiological and culture media. These hydrogels are intended to provide a controllable 3D microenvironment for future embryo culture applications.

Assisted reproductive technologies, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), remain limited by suboptimal embryo development under in vitro conditions. To better mimic the natural extracellular matrix, this study develops thixotropic hydrogel substrates for 3D embryo culture. The hydrogels are based on combination of the synthetic polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polysaccharides polymers, enabling tuning of their mechanical and rheological properties. The hydrogels are prepared by physical freeze–thaw crosslinking, avoiding chemical crosslinkers and improving biocompatibility. The substrates are fabricated as cast or 3D-printed structures using extrusion bioprinting, with parameters optimized for shape fidelity. Rheological testing determines the storage and loss moduli, while properties of the resulting hydrogel-based inks will be further characterized by rheometry. In addition, 3D-printed substrates will be evaluated using in vitro stability and degradation tests in different physiological and culture media. These hydrogels are intended to provide a controllable 3D microenvironment for future embryo culture applications.

hydrogel, embryo development, ECM, IVF, thixotropy

hydrogel, embryo development, ECM, IVF, thixotropy

KONEČNÁ, G.; CHAMRADOVÁ, I.; DINPARVAR, S.; BRTNÍKOVÁ, J.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

29.07.2026

Thessaloniki, Greece

International Conferences & Exhibition on Nanotechnologies, Organic Electronics & Nanomedicine, Book of Abstract, Greece, Thessaloniki, 4-11 July 2026

159

159

175

https://www.nanotexnology.com/images/stories/abstract_books/NN26_Abstract_Book.pdf