Atelocollagen-based Hydrogels Crosslinked with Oxidised Polysaccharides as Cell Encapsulation Matrix for Engineered Bioactive Stromal Tissue.

Tissue stroma is responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and secretion of factors that coordinate the behaviour of the surrounding cells through the microenvironment created. It's inability to spontaneously regenerate makes it a good candidate for research studies such as testing various tissue engineered products capable of replacing the stroma in order to assure normal tissue regeneration and function. In this study, a bioactive stroma was obtained considering two main components: 1) the artificial ECM formed using atelocollagen-oxidized polysaccharides hydrogels in which the polysaccharide compound (oxidised gellan or pullulan) has the role of crosslinker and 2) encapsulated stromal cells (dermal fibroblasts, ovarian theca-interstitial and granulosa cells).