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Review
. 2020 Dec 3;10(12):2281.
doi: 10.3390/ani10122281.

The Current Trends in Using Nanoparticles, Liposomes, and Exosomes for Semen Cryopreservation

Islam M Saadeldin  1   2 , Wael A Khalil  3 , Mona G Alharbi  4 , Seok Hee Lee  5
Affiliations
Review

The Current Trends in Using Nanoparticles, Liposomes, and Exosomes for Semen Cryopreservation

Islam M Saadeldin et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

Cryopreservation is an essential tool to preserve sperm cells for zootechnical management and artificial insemination purposes. Cryopreservation is associated with sperm damage via different levels of plasma membrane injury and oxidative stress. Nanoparticles are often used to defend against free radicals and oxidative stress generated through the entire process of cryopreservation. Recently, artificial or natural nanovesicles including liposomes and exosomes, respectively, have shown regenerative capabilities to repair damaged sperm during the freeze-thaw process. Exosomes possess a potential pleiotropic effect because they contain antioxidants, lipids, and other bioactive molecules regulating and repairing spermatozoa. In this review, we highlight the current strategies of using nanoparticles and nanovesicles (liposomes and exosomes) to combat the cryoinjuries associated with semen cryopreservation.

Keywords: cryopreservation; exosomes; liposomes; livestock production; nanoparticles; semen.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The proposed mechanism of spermatozoa protection through exosomes and liposomes. Liposomes with their contents of fatty acid can replenish the damaged sperm plasma membrane caused by freezing/thawing. Liposomes when artificially loaded with certain chemicals and exosomes with their contents of miRNA, mRNA, proteins, and metabolites can fuse and transfer their cargo into the subacrosomal space and inside the spermatozoa.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The overall effects of nanoparticles, exosomes, and liposomes in improving semen cryopreservation and reducing cryoinjury. Nanoparticles either from metals or from natural herbs act mainly as antioxidants, while exosomes can deliver bioactive components such as antioxidant enzymes, proteins, lipids, mRNA, and miRNA to protect sperm against cryoinjury such as that caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Liposomes can fuse with the sperm plasma membrane and replenish the damaged phospholipids caused by freezing/thawing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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