Development of an artificial testis free from neoplastic cells and transplantable to the patient

Cryopreservation of a testicular biopsy is currently the only available method to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys undergoing potentially sterilizing treatments. Autotransplantation of the tissue after recovery is not possible in case of contamination by cancer cells. Therefore, the development of an extracellular matrix by decellularization of porcine testicular tissue capable of supporting decontaminated testicular cells in vitro and/or in vivo was investigated. Following evaluation of the cytocompatibility of the decellularized scaffolds, testicular organoids exhibiting structure and functionalities similar to those of the native tissue were produced using a solubilized form (hydrogel) of the decellularized matrix. In vivo, transplantation of testicular cells into the hydrogel improved the short-term survival of undifferentiated spermatogonia.