Figure 3: Microfluidic platform supported follicle maturation and hormone secretion in the Solo-MFP.

(a) Multiple follicle culture in the Solo-MFP (stages i–iii); microfluidic culture supported follicle growth from primary stage to antral stage (iv–vi); and, following hCG stimulation, completion of the first meiotic division by the oocyte was achieved oocyte completed the first meiosis indicated by well-organized microtubule fibres (green), tightly aligned chromosomes (blue), and the round appearance of F-actin (red; stages vii–viii). (b) Granulosa cells showed similar morphological changes as seen in vivo following luteinization, indicated by hypertrophy and decreased nucleus to cytoplasm ratio. (c,d) Ovarian hormone secretions of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4; c) and inhibin A and inhibin B (d) over 28 days of culture in the Solo-MFP. (e,f) Comparison of E2 (e) and P4 (f) secretion rates between microfluidic and static cultures. Graphs in b,f display average+s.d. *P<0.05 comparison of the number of nuclei per mm³ in follicles before and after hCG treatment (b), and hormone secretion rates between microfluidic and static cultures (e,f). Scale bar, 50 μm (a) and 10 μm (b). n=3–6 replicates for both the microfluidic and static culture.