Editor's pick
Cover Story:
For the past century, achieving in vitro
spermatogenesis has remained a difficult challenge for researchers. In 2011,
Ogawa et al. successfully demonstrated in vitro spermatogenesis in mice using
an organ culture method. However, extending this method to other species posed
challenges for over a decade. In 2023, Ogawa’s team achieved in vitro
spermatogenesis in rats by incorporating several critical modifications to
enhance their original technique. This review presents a detailed analysis by
Ogawa et al. comparing their method with natural in vivo conditions and other
synthetic alternatives (Ogawa et al. Improvements in in vitro spermatogenesis:
oxygen concentration, antioxidants, tissue-form design, and space control, pp.
1–9). They systematically explore the merits, limitations, and inherent
constraints of the organ culture approach, delving into the specifics of medium
composition, the principles of the gas-liquid interphase method, use of
microfluidic devices, and innovation of the PDMS-ceiling method. Highlighting
the challenges faced, including regulating oxygen concentration, managing
tissue formation, and regulating culture space-control. The insights and novel
concepts shared in this review are particularly valuable for those involved in
culture or related disciplines, providing innovative content, and encouraging
further exploration in this field.