Figure 1.

Artificial ovary construction. The artificial ovary aims to restore reproductive and/or endocrine function of ovaries. Ovarian tissue or entire ovaries are retrieved and cryopreserved. Isolated follicles are obtained and cultured in a three-dimensional scaffold (the so-called artificial ovary) that permits follicles survival and development. To increase artificial ovary efficiency, growth factors, stromal and endothelial cells as well as supporting cells can be also included into the scaffold to permit hormone production and enhance vascularization.