Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Biomaterial-based scaffolds for ovarian tissue engineering: From extracellular matrix mimicry to artificial ovary construction for fertility preservation and endocrine restoration

Document Type : Review Article

Author
1 Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
2 Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.97389.20949
Abstract
Two major causes of ovarian function and fertility loss are currently premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and gonadotoxic cancer therapies. Tissue-engineered constructs have played an important role in this field by improving the ovarian microenvironment, supporting follicular survival, increasing vascular integrity, and improving endocrine function. This review critically compares biomaterial and biofabrication strategies in ovarian tissue engineering, emphasizing the balance between mechanical support and biological activity and the barriers to translating these technologies into clinical applications. A comparative and narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and related journal websites. Studies related to ovarian extracellular matrix, natural and synthetic biomaterials, decellularized matrix, composite scaffolds, advanced fabrication methods, angiogenesis, immunocompatibility, and artificial ovaries were reviewed. No preliminary experimental data were generated. Natural hydrogels have favorable bioactivity but limited mechanical tunability, while synthetic polymers offer more controllable, reproducible mechanical properties but require bioactive modifications. The decellularized matrix retains some natural biochemical signatures but suffers from variability and mechanical limitations. Composite scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and electrospinning improve architectural control. Artificial ovary systems have largely supported follicular survival and endocrine function in preclinical models, but angiogenesis, immunocompatibility, scalability, cost, safety, and human translation remain challenging. No single material meets all requirements, and the future of ovarian tissue engineering depends on intelligently combining complementary biomaterials to achieve bioactivity, robustness, safety, and manufacturability.
Keywords
Subjects

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 November 2026