Fig. 6.

Proposed mechanism of cell-secreted ECM sequestration and reorganization of the fibers. Schematic depicting follicle and cell encapsulation in degradable PEG hydrogels embedded with DexVS fibers and functionalized with ECM-sequestering BMB peptides. In the presence of BMB-functionalized Dextran-VS fibers, cell-secreted ECM, such as laminin and collagen, is sequestered along DexVS fibers, enabling cell adhesion and organization into tissue-like aggregates which restore critical cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions for improved oocyte survival and growth. Representative confocal and brightfield images depicting ECM alignment on fibers and cell aggregation facilitated by BMB-functionalized fibers (2% v/v in YKNS/YKNR crosslinked hydrogels).