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Biomaterials and Contraception: Promises and Pitfalls

  • S.I. : Biomaterials - Engineering Cell Behavior
  • Published:
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Abstract

The present state of reproductive and sexual health around the world reveals disparities in contraceptive use and effectiveness. Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection transmission rates remain high even with current prevention methods. The 20th century saw a contraceptive revolution with biomedical innovation driving the success of new contraceptive technologies with central design concepts and materials. Current modalities can be broadly categorized according to their mode of function: reversible methods such as physical/chemical barriers or hormonal delivery devices via systemic (transdermal and subcutaneous) or localized (intrauterine and intravaginal) administration, and nonreversible sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation and vasectomy. Contraceptive biomaterials are at present dominated by well-characterized elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane and ethylene vinyl acetate due to their favorable material properties and versatility. Contraceptives alter the normal function of cellular components in the reproductive systems to impair fertility. The purpose of this review is to highlight the bioengineering design of existing methods, explore novel adaptations, and address notable shortcomings in current contraceptive technologies.

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Abbreviations

SARC:

Short-acting reversible contraception

LARC:

Long-acting reversible contraception

MPT:

Multipurpose prevention technologies

IUD:

Intrauterine device

IVR:

Intravaginal ring

STI:

Sexually transmitted infection

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

HSV:

Herpes simplex virus

GnRH:

Gonadotropin releasing hormone

FSH:

Follicle stimulating hormone

LH:

Luteinizing hormone

CFTR:

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

LB:

Lactobacillus

PDMS:

Polydimethylsiloxane

PVA:

Polyvinyl alcohol

PEG:

Polyethylene glycol

PVP:

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

PEVA:

Polyethylene vinyl acetate

PET:

Polyethylene terephthalate

RISUG:

Reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance

SMA:

Styrene maleic anhydride

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Acknowledgments

I.C acknowledges support from the National Institutes of Health training grant at Boston University, T32 EB006359. DA receives support from NIH grant U54 HD095957. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Isabella Claure, Catherine M. Klapperich & Joyce Y. Wong

  2. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Deborah Anderson & Wendy Kuohung

  3. Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Deborah Anderson

  4. Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Catherine M. Klapperich

  5. Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Catherine M. Klapperich & Joyce Y. Wong

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  1. Isabella Claure
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Correspondence to Joyce Y. Wong.

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Claure, I., Anderson, D., Klapperich, C.M. et al. Biomaterials and Contraception: Promises and Pitfalls. Ann Biomed Eng 48, 2113–2131 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-019-02402-1

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