Spermbots and Their Applications in Assisted Reproduction: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Declining sperm quality presents a significant global health and social challenge.
• Male infertility rates are increasing, necessitating innovative reproductive technologies.
• Sperm cell-driven biohybrid nanorobots (spermbots) represent a paradigm shift in assisted reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review and perspective on spermbots from researchers and clinicians.
• To systematically guide the improvement of spermbots by analyzing sperm cell functions and dysfunctions.
• To address the challenges and propose a roadmap for the clinical translation of spermbots.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of current spermbots classification, design, control, and applications.
• Analysis of sperm cell biology, journey to the oocyte, and dysfunctions.
• Identification of key challenges including biocompatibility, effectiveness, and ethical considerations.

Main Results:

• Spermbots offer automated and precise capabilities for assisted reproduction.
• Understanding sperm cell biology is crucial for optimizing spermbots design.
• Biocompatibility, effectiveness, and ethical issues are primary hurdles for clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 'three laws' for clinical spermbots usage are: good genetics, gentle operation, and no contamination.
• A three-step roadmap is outlined to facilitate clinical translation of spermbots.
• Spermbots hold promise for in vitro clinical applications in the near future, with in vivo applications requiring further collaborative research.