A review of recent developments in the application of nanostructures for sperm cryopreservation

Abstract

In the 1970s, sperm cryopreservation was presented as a unique route to fertility preservation. The ability to cryopreserve sperm from all species is challenging. The sperm cryopreservation process encompasses various cellular stresses such as increased osmotic pressure, ice crystal formation, and thermal shock, therefore decreasing the quality of sperm. The nanostructures due to their inherent features such as reactivity, high uptake, active surface area, and antioxidant activity, have contributed to modifying freezing protocols. In this review, the current state of the art with regards to emerging applications of nanotechnology in sperm cryopreservation are reviewed, some of the most promising advances are summarized, and the limitations and advantages are comprehensively discussed.