"NANOTECHNOLOGY PROMISES SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES IN MEDICINE"

How have the fields of gynecology and infertility evolved in recent years, and where are we now?

Mariana Medina-Sánchez: Collaborations between research groups and clinics are driving progress across various disciplines to enhance results in assisted reproduction. Multiple research lines are advancing in parallel —including novel approaches in molecular biology and genetic testing, medical devices for gamete and embryo handling, innovative cell and embryo culture technologies (such as 3D models and organoids), and artificial intelligence— collectively contributing to improved outcomes in assisted reproduction and gynecological healthcare. Technologies such as time-lapse imaging, combined with artificial intelligence, now allow more accurate embryo assessment. Preimplantation genetic testing has also improved implantation success by assessing the genetic integrity of the embryo before transfer. Research into endometrial receptivity and the microbiome is expanding, recognizing their critical role in implantation. In addition, innovations such as microfluidics for sperm sorting are helping to select sperm with high DNA integrity. Of course, there are still many hurdles, but there has been notable improvement, especially in the last years.

In the nanobiosystems group, you are developing innovative microrobots for this application area. could you explain what these tools are and how they work?

M. M. S. : In the Nanobiosystems Group, we are developing innovative microtools for both early disease diagnosis and non-invasive targeted therapies. For diagnosis, we are developing biosensors based on microfluidics and electrochemical readouts to assess parameters such as metabolites, oxidative stress, and other parameters to evaluate the quality of gametes and embryos prior to assisted reproduction techniques. On the other hand, we are also developing microrobots that can be controlled externally by magnetic fields or acoustic waves. These medical devices can be used to reach difficult locations in the body to deliver drugs or cells, for example, to treat ovarian cancer by delivering anti-cancer drugs locally, or to assist sperm in the fertilization process.

What are the main challenges of these kinds of technologies? 

M. M. S. : One of the main challenges is navigating the regulatory pathways to the clinic, as there are different stages that the technologies must go through. We need to validate our technologies first in in vitro systems, in organ-on-chip devices, then in small animals, large mammals, and finally in humans. This is a long road for any new medicine or therapy. In the field of reproductive medicine, there are ethical concerns about the use of new technologies because a life is involved in the process. It is important to ensure that the materials and technologies we use are safe. The procedures must also be non-invasive and should not cause additional problems to the patient. We must weigh the risks against the benefits that these technologies can provide and identify scenarios where these technologies can truly make a difference.

Beyond gynecology and infertility, will the research of the group seek solutions for other global medical challenges?

M. M. S. : These diagnostic devices and microrobotic technologies are also applicable to other biomedical fields, because the main goal is to achieve highly sensitive, very precise and personalized diagnosis and, with microrobotics, targeted and non-invasive therapy. This can be applied to other medical needs, such as the treatment of infectious diseases and tissue engineering. For example, there is the possibility to use these microrobots as scaffolds to promote tissue growth and regeneration at the site of injury by transporting them remotely to the organ site.

In the long term, how do you expect these technologies to impact the future of personalized medicine and diagnostics?

M. M. S. : In the future, I expect that these technologies will generally improve healthcare by addressing the individual, personalized needs of patients through comprehensive diagnosis: a multi-parametric diagnosis that looks at the disease holistically. Additionally, these technologies aim to reduce the invasiveness of current surgical and therapeutic approaches, thereby reducing side effects and improving the quality of life of patients. That is the ultimate goal.