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Bioengineering trends in female reproduction: a systematic review
Emilio Francés-Herrero1,2, Rosalba Lopez1,2,3, Mats Hellström4,5
1Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
Human Reproduction Update
|June 2, 2022
Summary
Bioengineering is advancing female reproductive medicine by developing innovative platforms and therapies to study and restore reproductive function. This review highlights key bioengineering strategies for the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs, offering new hope for fertility restoration.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and bioengineering
- Translational research in women's health
- Regenerative medicine for the female reproductive tract
Background:
- The female reproductive system requires precise orchestration for implantation and fetal development.
- Pathologies affecting reproductive organs compromise fertility, necessitating advanced research models.
- Limitations of current 2D cell cultures and animal models drive the need for dynamic bioengineering solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging bioengineering strategies in female reproductive medicine.
- To explore applications for understanding reproductive biology and restoring fertility.
- To discuss techniques for the uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (2000-2021).
- Inclusion of peer-reviewed articles on female reproductive bioengineering in preclinical and clinical phases.
- Qualitative assessment of 312 selected studies due to design inconsistencies.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels and scaffolds are widely used in female reproductive tract bioengineering.
- Organoids and bioprinting show promise for personalized diagnostics and treatments.
- Microfluidic systems demonstrate significant translational value in reproductive research.
Conclusions:
- Bioengineering faces challenges due to the complexity of female reproduction but offers valuable insights.
- Developed technologies provide alternative models for drug testing and fertility preservation.
- This field is rapidly evolving, paving the way for future organ regeneration studies.
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