In recent years, significant progress has been made in breast reconstructive surgery, particularly with the use of three-dimensional (3D) disassemblable scaffolds. Reconstructive plastic surgery aimed at restoring the shape and size of the mammary gland offers medical, psychological, and social benefits. Using autologous tissues allows surgeons to recreate the appearance of the mammary gland and achieve tactile sensations similar to those of a healthy organ while minimizing the risks associated with implants; 3D disassemblable scaffolds are a promising solution that overcomes the limitations of traditional methods. These constructs offer the potential for patient-specific anatomical adaptation and can provide both temporary and long-term structural support for regenerating tissues. One of the most promising approaches in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction involves the use of autologous cellular and tissue components integrated into either synthetic scaffolds—such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL)—or naturally derived biopolymer-based matrices, including alginate, chitosan, hyaluronic acid derivatives, collagen, fibrin, gelatin, and silk fibroin. In this context, two complementary research directions are gaining increasing significance: (1) the development of novel hybrid biomaterials that combine the favorable characteristics of both synthetic and natural polymers while maintaining biocompatibility and biodegradability; and (2) the advancement of three-dimensional bioprinting technologies for the fabrication of patient-specific scaffolds capable of incorporating cellular therapies. Such therapies typically involve mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and bioactive signaling molecules, such as growth factors, aimed at promoting angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, and lineage-specific differentiation. In our review, we analyze existing developments in this area and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 3D disassemblable scaffolds for mammary gland reconstruction, as well as prospects for their further research and clinical use.

Currently, there is a need to improve the cryopreservation process for male gametes, especially for patients with low cryotolerance during sperm cryopreservation. Methods: The content and size of donor extracellular vesicles (EVs) in seminal plasma (SP) were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), CD marker analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Patient ejaculates were exposed to cryopreservation with or without prior co-culture with SP EVs and were not exposed to cryopreservation. The interaction of SP EVs with spermatozoa was assessed by TEM. Apoptotic, necrotic and late apoptotic cells, and mitochondrial functional activity were detected by flow cytometry. Results: NTA showed the highest concentration of SP EVs with a size of 80 nm, corresponding to small EVs. The binding of SP EVs to spermatozoa occurred along the entire plasma membrane, with an increased concentration of SP EVs at the neck and upper third of the sperm head. A significant increase in sperm motility was observed in the EVs co-culture group after cryopreservation/thawing. Flow cytometry showed a significant difference in the JC-1 Red/JC-1 Green ratio, indicating a higher mitochondrial membrane potential in the EVs exposure group. Conclusions: SP EVs have a protective function during human sperm cryopreservation.

Breast reconstruction is an important component of rehabilitation after mastectomy, aimed at restoring breast shape and volume and improving patients’ psychosocial recovery. Although silicone implants and autologous tissue flaps remain standard clinical options, both have relevant limitations, including capsular contracture, implant-related complications, donor-site morbidity, and limited ability to reproduce the dynamic properties of native breast tissue. Bioresorbable scaffolds and tissue-engineered constructs have therefore emerged as promising approaches to support vascular ingrowth, adipose tissue regeneration, and gradual replacement of the implant by host tissue. Their translation, however, requires adequate preclinical models for assessing biocompatibility, inflammatory response, capsule formation, scaffold degradation, volume stability, and regenerative potential in vivo. This review analyzes animal models used in the development of implants and bioresorbable scaffolds for breast reconstruction, focusing on rodents, rabbits, and porcine platforms. Rodent models are considered early screening systems for foreign body response, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and irradiation effects. Rabbit models serve as intermediate platforms for capsular reaction, acellular dermal matrices, radiation-associated fibrosis, and soft-tissue regeneration. Porcine models provide clinically relevant large-animal systems for evaluating patient-scale constructs, imaging compatibility, surgical feasibility, long-term remodeling, and scaffold-guided breast tissue regeneration. Overall, the available evidence indicates that no single animal model can fully reproduce the complexity of human breast reconstruction. A rational translational pathway should combine different models according to the stage of scaffold development, the specific biological question, and the intended clinical application.