Enhancing female fertility by biomaterial-based regeneration of uterine tubes

Tubal factor infertility remains a major cause of female reproductive dysfunction. Current therapeutic options, such as surgical repair or in vitro fertilization, only bypass but do not restore the dysfunctional uterine tube. Recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) highlight biomaterials and organoid systems as promising tools to regenerate oviductal tissue and thus support natural conception. The manuscript comprehensively reviews 42 studies focused solely on TERM of the uterine tubes. Current status of uterine tube tissue engineering demonstrates that natural polymers, including collagen and decellularized extracellular matrix, provide biocompatible scaffolds capable of mimicking native extracellular environments. Synthetic polymers enable adjustment of mechanical properties and reproducibility, while hydrogels offer a biomimetic 3D microenvironment that supports epithelial differentiation, angiogenesis, and embryo development. Moreover, uterine tube-derived organoids, in which the polymeric component plays a crucial role, provide physiologically relevant in vitro models for studying pathology, drug testing, and translational applications. Recent advances in 3D bioprinting and magnetic bioprinting have enabled the development of artificial uterine tube models that better mimic native tissue architecture and cell organization. These findings underscore the translational potential of biomaterial-based strategies for uterine tube regeneration. Their integration into reproductive medicine may offer novel therapeutic avenues for restoring tubal function, improving fertility outcomes, and advancing patient-specific approaches in the management of female infertility.