Hydrogel-integrated PVC tubing platform for simulating physiological perfusion of uterine tissue in vitro

Abstract

This study presents the development of a hydrogel-supported perfusion platform designed for ex vivo uterine tissue graft cultivation under physiologically relevant conditions. Polyvinyl alcohol/Borax hydrogels were synthesized and systematically characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological measurements, and swelling analyses, confirming the formation of borate-diol crosslinked hydrogel networks arising from reversible interactions characteristic of PVA/Borax systems, together with viscoelastic stability and high water retention capacity. Biocompatibility assays demonstrated that hydrogels maintained at physiological pH preserved cell viability above the ISO 10993-5 threshold, supporting their suitability as a matrix for tissue culture. A permeable nitrocellulose membrane, obtained by chemical modification of onion-derived cellulose, was incorporated into polyvinyl chloride tubing to enable controlled fluid exchange and nutrient transport. Integration of this membrane-modified tubing with the hydrogel scaffold created a perfusion system capable of sustaining uterine grafts in vitro by maintaining pH balance, supporting metabolite clearance, and enabling effective gas diffusion. The system maintained stable perfusion conditions and supported structural preservation of uterine tissue over a 5 d culture period. Preliminary trials with ovine uterine tissues confirmed the feasibility of the platform as a functional ex vivo culture environment. These findings demonstrate that the proposed system provides a physiologically relevant and scalable platform for ex vivo uterine tissue maintenance, with potential applications in reproductive biology, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.