Construction and Performance Evaluation of an Astaxanthin-Chitosan/Chitooligosaccharide Hydrogel System for Ex Vivo Culture of Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only adult male germline stem cells capable of lifelong self-renewal and differentiation into spermatozoa. Scalable ex vivo survival is essential for endangered species germplasm banking, genetic resource conservation, and male infertility therapy. Here, chitosan (CO) or chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) was cross-linked into injectable, biodegradable 3D hydrogels loaded with the natural astaxanthin (AST). CCK-8 optimization identified 0.3% CO + 0.2% AST (CHAG) and 0.2% COS + 0.2% AST (COAG) as superior formulations. After 7 or 14 d of 3D culture, CHAG yielded significantly more colonies than controls (p < 0.01), with elevated EdU incorporation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and positive OCT4 and PLZF staining, confirming preserved stemness. Ca

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729764 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature