Serum-free method boosts livestock genetics and human infertility treatments.
Cryopreserving spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is crucial for preserving genetic information in livestock and creating transgenic animals. Researchers aimed to find a serum-free method for SSC cryopreservation. They tested different serum replacements and found that using 5% human serum albumin (rHSA) resulted in higher cell growth potential and lower cell death compared to traditional methods. SSCs preserved with 5% rHSA also maintained their ability to renew and differentiate. This suggests that 5% rHSA could be a good alternative to serum for SSC cryopreservation, which could benefit livestock breeding and potentially help with human infertility treatments in the future.