Use of PHBV (poli-(3-hidroxibutirato-co-3hidroxivalerato) nanoparticules coupled to busulfan in the sterilization of chicken receptors of germ cell transplantations

Abstract

Conservation of avian germplasm through germ cell transplantation among different individuals or species has been explored as an alternative to circumvent limitations of the available reproductive biotechnologies for this class. In this regard, an essential step in applying such technique is the preparation of the bird recipient, which advocates depletion of endogenous germ cells prior to transplantation. Since there are no mutant birds with impaired spermatogenesis that could suit as germ cell recipients, as in mice, different surgical, physical and chemical methods have been investigated for the generation of avian recipients. However, all procedures tested so far exhibited technical barriers such as partial depletion of germ cells, induction of mutations and high embryonic mortality. In this context, injections of busulfan in ovo are frequently cited by researchers, although it is not effective to completely sterilize recipients. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate if the use of PHBV copolymer nanoparticles coupled with busulfan will provide a greater degree of sterility in one-day-old-chick recipients than the traditional emulsion of busulfan (busulfan/ dimethylformamide/busulfan). The data obtained in this study may contribute to the development of more efficient protocols in the preparation of chicken recipients for the transplantion of germ cells, turning this approach more feasible for both preservation of genetic material and for generation of transgenic birds.