Table 2.
List of biomaterials used for ovarian function restoration.
| Categories | Author | Year | Materials | Major finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extracellular matrix (ECM) | J. Smitz [102] | 2010 | ECM is composed of a variety of molecules, which can include collagens, laminin, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides. | ECM improved the secretion of E2 and AMH from follicles. It also improved follicle development |
| Wen-Yue Liu [103] | 2016 | Xenogeneic decellularized ovary (D-ovary) scaffold, as a platform derived from pigs, and used in rats. | The D-ovary tissues successfully supported rat granulosa cell penetration in vivo and showed an improvement in estradiol (E2) hormone secretion. | |
| Ebru Ersoy [104] | 2017 | The mechanical exploration of ECM to support ovarian function. | The disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) enzymes in ECM contribute to ovulation and differentiation of the follicular cells into the luteal cells. | |
| Collagen | Xiaoming He [107] | 2017 | A 3D microfluidic encapsulation of ovarian follicles in biomimetic ovarian microtissues. | Due to the mechanical heterogeneity of the resulting culture capsule, this 3D microfluidic technology and biomimetic ovarian microtissue system could facilitate follicular culture and preservation. This might be a feasible option of assisted reproduction and may help restore women's fertility in the clinic. |
| Collagen | Yanjun Yang [109] | 2019 | Gelatinous scaffolds carried type I collagen and were loaded with HucMSCs in animal experiments. | Collagen/HucMSC transplantation may be a potential and promising treatment for POI |
| Lijun Ding [110] | 2018 | Gelatinous scaffolds carried type I collagen and were loaded with HucMSCs for clinical use. | Collagen/HucMSC transplanted into the ovaries improved the fertility of women with POI. Therefore, collagen/HucMSC transplantation may bet a promising approach for POI treatment. | |
| Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | Guangfeng Zhao [113] | 2014 | Hyaluronic acid was injected into ovaries of POI rats. | MiR-139–5p might be a candidate miRNA in the up-regulation of HA on PGRMC1 expression. |
| Guangfeng Zhao [114] | 2014 | Hyaluronic acid was injected into ovaries of POI rats. | HA has a preventative effect on POI rats, which was associated with promotion of GC proliferation. These findings support the applicability and efficacy of HA in preventing POI. | |
| Alginate | Lisa J. Green [125] | 2019 | Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) were suspended in alginate solution and encapsulated in crosslinked alginate beads. | Co-encapsulation of early-stage murine follicles with ADSCs supports the in vitro maturation of murine follicles. |
| Alginate | Sivanandane Sittadjody1 [118] | 2017 | 3D bioengineered ovarian constructs that recapitulate native cell–cell interactions between ovarian granulosa and theca cells. | A 3D bioengineered ovarian construct for the treatment and study of conditions associated with functional loss of the ovaries, which may be suitable for young patients suffering from malignant tumors or congenital diseases. |
| Fibrin | Ariella Shikanov [120] | 2011 | Cryopreserved and thawed ovarian tissue was encapsulated in fibrin-(heparin-binding peptide)HBP-VEGF hydrogels. | Potential of engineering biomaterials to enhance angiogenesis during engraftment of ovarian tissue and biomaterials for ovarian transplantation. |
| E. Kniazeva [117] | 2015 | Primordial and primary ovarian follicles from young female mice were extracted and encapsulated into biomaterials for subsequent transplantation into adult mice with ovariectomy. | Obtain live births by transplanting isolated primordial and primary follicles, and reducing the risk of re-seeding disease relative to ovarian tissue transplantation. | |
| Synthetic polymers | Anu David [122] | 2017 | Ovarian grafts were picked up in a pipette and inserted into the TheraCyte® capsule, which is an FDA approved device made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). | The TheraCyte® devices can successfully support the function of ovaries and avoid immune sensitization of the host. |