Biomaterials and advanced technologies for the evaluation and treatment of ovarian aging
Meng Wu, Yican Guo, Simin Wei, Liru Xue, Weicheng Tang, Dan Chen, Jiaqiang Xiong, Yibao Huang, Fangfang Fu, Chuqing Wu, Ying Chen, Su Zhou, Jinjin Zhang, Yan Li, Wenwen Wang, Jun Dai, Shixuan Wang
Abstract
Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in ovarian function. With the increase in life expectancy worldwide, ovarian aging has gradually become a key health problem among women. Over the years, various strategies have been developed to preserve fertility in women, while there are currently no clinical treatments to delay ovarian aging. Recently, advances in biomaterials and technologies, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and microfluidics for the encapsulation of follicles and nanoparticles as delivery systems for drugs, have shown potential to be translational strategies for ovarian aging. This review introduces the research progress on the mechanisms underlying ovarian aging, and summarizes the current state of biomaterials in the evaluation and treatment of ovarian aging, including safety, potential applications, future directions and difficulties in translation.