RT Journal Article
T1 Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Enhancing In Vitro Fertilization in Animal Reproduction
A1 Gałęska, Elżbieta
A1 Kowalczyk, Alicja
A1 Samardžija, Marko
A1 Gračner, Gregurić Gordana
A1 Wrzecinska, Marcjanna
A1 Araujo, Jose Pedro
A1 Hernández Malagón, José Ángel
A1 Camiña García, María Mercedes
A1 Czerniawska-Piatkowska, Ewa
A1 Dobrzanski, Zbigniew
K1 Nanoparticles
K1 Reproduction
K1 Sperm
K1 Oocyte
K1 Nanosorting
K1 Nanopurification
AB Nanotechnology, based on nanoparticles, has become an emerging interdisciplinary tool in reproductive biotechnology, offering innovative opportunities to improve fertilization efficiency and reproductive performance in farm animals. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated synthesis of current research on nanoparticle-based approaches that enhance in vitro fertilization outcomes and other assisted reproductive technologies. The focus is on the biological mechanisms, potential benefits, and limitations of nanoparticle use in animal reproduction. Nanoparticles—including gold, silver, zinc oxide, selenium, and magnetic iron oxide—exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties that enable targeted interactions with gametes and reproductive cells. When used in semen extenders or culture media, nanoparticles improve sperm motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, and reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis. These effects contribute to enhanced fertilization rates and higher embryo developmental competence. In addition, nanoparticles can function as carriers for hormones, antioxidants, and growth factors, stabilizing reagents essential for oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation, and early embryo culture. The review also discusses nanopurification (selectively isolating and removing particles) and nanosorting (separating or organizing nanoscale objects) techniques that allow for non-invasive selection of viable gametes, and fluorescence- and magnet-assisted sorting systems that increase precision in sperm sexing. The mechanical aspects of nanoparticle–cell interactions are analyzed, emphasizing the influence of particle size, dose, and surface modification on both biological efficacy and cytotoxicity. Safety, toxicological concerns, and regulatory frameworks—including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and European Commission recommendations—are critically reviewed to highlight the need for harmonized biocompatibility criteria. Although nanoparticle use in animal reproduction remains largely experimental, accumulated evidence demonstrates its potential to improve reproductive efficiency and reduce economic losses. Integrating nanoparticle-based systems with existing reproduction platforms may represent a transformative step toward sustainable and precision-driven livestock breeding.
PB MDPI
YR 2026
FD 2026-03-18
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/46464
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/46464
LA eng
NO Gałęska, E., Kowalczyk, A., Samardžija, M., Gregurić Gračner, G., Wrzecińska, M., Araujo, J. P., Malagón, J. Á. H., Camiña, M., Czerniawska-Piątkowska, E., & Dobrzański, Z. (2026). Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Enhancing In Vitro Fertilization in Animal Reproduction. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(6), 2747. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062747
NO The APC/BPC is financed/co-financed by Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. This research was carried out as a part of the activities of the leading research group—Animal Science for Future (ASc4Future).
DS Minerva
RD 7 jun 2026