(A) Bovine cleaved embryo
and blastocyst production efficiency
displayed as percentages of the total number of mature cumulus–oocyte
complexes (COCs) submitted for in vitro fertilization
(IVF). IVF and in vitro culture (IVC) were performed
in the presence of PIC100, E-Shell200, E-Shell300, PDMS, or PS polymer
structures. Standard IVF and IVC were also performed without polymer
structures (Control). (B) BG1ERE bioassay to detect increases in ER-dependent
luciferase activity caused by media conditioned with PIC100, E-Shell-200,
E-Shell300, PS, or PDMS, or without any conditioning. An increase
in luciferase intensity was found for PIC100, E-Shell-200, E-Shell300,
and PDMS; 1 and 10 pM estrogen (E2) were used to check the responsiveness
of the cells in the assay. Different asterisks and number signs indicate
statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).