Organoids and organ‐on‐a‐chip models for investigating the pathophysiology of the human reproductive system

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Authors: H Zhang, Shiwen Deng, F G Jin, Jiayao Qu, Xin Fan, Xin Fan, Peng Chen, Xinrong Fan, Xinrong Fan
Cited by: 4
References: 130

Abstract

Abstract Organoids and organ‐on‐a‐chips (OoCs), as innovative tools that overcome the limitations of traditional cell and animal models, provide highly biomimetic platforms for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of the reproductive system. This review emphasizes mechanistic discoveries, disease models, and translational prospects. In contrast to previous reviews that either addressed organoids and OoCs separately or concentrated on a single organ type, this article is unique in that it (i) integrates OoC and organoid platforms for both male and female reproductive systems; (ii) identifies four cross‐cutting scientific challenges (vascularization/perfusion, dynamic endocrine modeling, immune‐microenvironment reconstruction, and model standardization); and (iii) highlights translational pathways, such as artificial intelligence—enabled optimization and organoid‐derived extracellular vesicles. We summarize representative organoid and OoC models of key male (testis, prostate, and epididymis) and female (ovary, endometrium, and placenta) reproductive organs, and discuss prospects for multi‐organ integration, personalized drug testing, and regulatory standardization. Finally, we propose prioritized technological milestones and a roadmap to expedite the clinical translation of these technologies in reproductive system research.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Reproductive Biology and Fertility 3D Printing in Biomedical Research Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Publication details

Journal / source
Interdisciplinary medicine
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
4
Issue
2
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN