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Cover Story:
For the past century, achieving in vitro spermatogenesis has remained a difficult challenge for researchers. In 2011, Ogawa et al. successfully demonstrated in vitro spermatogenesis in mice using an organ culture method. However, extending this method to other species posed challenges for over a decade. In 2023, Ogawa’s team achieved in vitro spermatogenesis in rats by incorporating several critical modifications to enhance their original technique. This review presents a detailed analysis by Ogawa et al. comparing their method with natural in vivo conditions and other synthetic alternatives (Ogawa et al. Improvements in in vitro spermatogenesis: oxygen concentration, antioxidants, tissue-form design, and space control, pp. 1–9). They systematically explore the merits, limitations, and inherent constraints of the organ culture approach, delving into the specifics of medium composition, the principles of the gas-liquid interphase method, use of microfluidic devices, and innovation of the PDMS-ceiling method. Highlighting the challenges faced, including regulating oxygen concentration, managing tissue formation, and regulating culture space-control. The insights and novel concepts shared in this review are particularly valuable for those involved in culture or related disciplines, providing innovative content, and encouraging further exploration in this field.