Nanotechnology in reproductive medicine: emerging applications of nanomaterials.
In the last decade, nanotechnology has been extensively introduced for biomedical applications, including bio-detection, drug delivery and diagnostic imaging, particularly in the field of cancer diagnostics and treatment. However, there is a growing trend towards the expansion of nanobiotechnological tools in a number of non-cancer applications. In this review, we discuss the emerging uses of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine and reproductive biology. For the first time, we summarise the available evidence regarding the use of nanomaterials as experimental tools for the detection and treatment of malignant and benign reproductive conditions. We also present an overview of potential applications for nanomaterials in reproductive biology, discuss the benefits and concerns associated with their use in a highly delicate system of reproductive tissues and gametes, and address the feasibility of this innovative and potentially controversial approach in the clinical setting and for investigative research into the mechanisms underlying reproductive diseases.


BACKGROUND
This unique review paper focuses on the emerging use of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine and reproductive biology, highlighting the role of nanomaterials in the detection and treatment of various reproductive conditions, keeping in mind the benefits and potential concerns associated with nanomaterial use in the delicate system of reproductive tissue and gametes.
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Natalia
N
Barkalina
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Charis
C
Charalambous
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Celine
C
Jones
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: kevin.coward@obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk.
Kevin
K
Coward
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D018456:Reproductive Medicine / Q000379:methods*
Gametogenesis; Infertility; Nanomaterials; Reproductive biology; Reproductive medicine