Application of Hydrogel-Based Delivery System in Endometrial Repair

ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2020 Nov 16;3(11):7278-7290. doi: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00971. Epub 2020 Oct 23.

Abstract

A receptive endometrium with proper thickness is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, endometrial injury caused by intrauterine procedures often leads to pathophysiological changes in its environment, resulting in subsequent female infertility. Among diverse treatment methods of endometrial injury, hydrogels are a class of hydrophilic three-dimensional polymeric network with biocompatibility as well as the capability of absorbing water and encapsulation, which have potential applications as a promising intrauterine controlled-release delivery system. This review summarizes recent advances in the approaches of endometrial repair and further focuses on the application of a hydrogel-based delivery system in endometrial repair, including its preparation, therapeutic loading considerations, clinical applications, as well as working mechanisms.

Keywords: Hydrogel; delivery system; endometrial injury; endometrial repair; endometrium.