The Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix: A Therapeutic Tool for Reproductive Female Research
Authors
-
Tayebeh Sadat Tabatabai
Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2077-3900
-
Shima Rahmati
Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7620-1058
- Majid Salehi Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran; Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
-
Gelavizh Rostaminasab
Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Khomeini and Mohammad Kermanshahi and Farabi Hospitals, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5349-5727
-
Zahra Seifi
Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3487-5322
-
Lila Rezakhani
Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6283-8181
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v12i6.1354Keywords:
Extracellular matrix, Reproductive, Female, Tissue engineering, DecellularizationAbstract
Background: Female reproductive health is essential for species survival, but disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine adhesions can severely compromise fertility and overall well-being. Conventional treatments often fail to fully restore reproductive function, emphasizing the need for advanced regenerative strategies.
Methods: This review examines recent progress in tissue engineering approaches for female reproductive disorders, with a focus on biomimetic scaffolds. Particular attention is given to decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), which preserves the three-dimensional (3D) architecture, biochemical cues, and mechanical properties of native tissues, supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and functional regeneration.
Results: Recent studies demonstrate that dECM-based scaffolds for the uterus, ovary, cervix, and vagina can effectively mimic native tissue environments, promote vascularization, support epithelial and stromal cell growth, and enhance functional tissue repair. Notably, preclinical models show promising outcomes in restoring fertility, supporting folliculogenesis, and facilitating epithelialization in reproductive tissues.
Conclusion: Biomimetic dECM scaffolds offer a powerful platform for regenerative therapies in female reproductive medicine. Their ability to replicate native tissue microenvironments positions them as a promising alternative to conventional treatments. Future studies and clinical trials are needed to translate these findings into safe and effective therapies.
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