Collagen-based materials in reproductive medicine and engineered reproductive tissues

Abstract

Collagen, the main component of mammal skin, has been traditionally used in leather manufacturing for thousands of years due to its diverse physicochemical properties. Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and the main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The properties of collagen also make it an ideal building block for the engineering of materials for a range of biomedical applications. Reproductive medicine, especially human fertility preservation strategies and reproductive organ regeneration, has attracted significant attention in recent years as it is key in resolving the growing social concern over aging populations worldwide. Collagen-based biomaterials such as collagen hydrogels, decellularized ECM (dECM), and bioengineering techniques including collagen-based 3D bioprinting have facilitated the engineering of reproductive tissues. This review summarizes the recent progress in applying collagen-based biomaterials in reproductive. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects of collagen-based materials for engineering artificial reproductive tissues, hormone replacement therapy, and reproductive organ reconstruction, aiming to inspire new thoughts and advancements in engineered reproductive tissues research.

Graphical abstract

Funding

the national global talents recruitment program

state key laboratory of polymer materials engineering(sklpme 2020-3-01)

sichuan province science and technology support program(2020YFS0127)

research project of science & technology department of sichuan province(2021YJ0416)

national natural science foundation of china(82001496)

china postdoctoral science foundation(2020M680149)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(22178233)

Talents Program of Sichuan Province, Double First Class University Plan of Sichuan University