Matrigel is required for efficient differentiation of isolated, stem cell-derived otic vesicles into inner ear organoids

Inner ear organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells could be a useful model system to study development, disease, and regeneration. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the size, morphology, and efficiency of organoid production using standard protocols. Greater control of the culture microenvironment could decrease heterogeneity and increase the yield of organoids. Animal-derived otic vesicles show some autonomy during development and can differentiate into cochlear and vestibular domains in mesenchyme-free ex vivo culture. Therefore, we investigated whether stem cell-derived otic vesicles can autonomously generate inner ear organoids. Isolated, stem cell-derived vesicles grew into cyst-like organoids with high efficiency, over 90%, when embedded in droplets of the basement membrane matrix Matrigel. Though nearly all vesicles within the aggregate were competent to mature into organoids, the efficiency of organoid production depended on the stage of vesicle isolation and required supplementation with Matrigel.