The role of nanotechnology in male fertility assessment

Abstract

Male fertility assessment is critical for diagnosing infertility and optimizing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Male infertility affects approximately 50 % of infertility cases worldwide, impacting an estimated 30 million men globally, with the male infertility market projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2024 to $5.5 billion by 2030. Traditional semen analysis methods are limited by subjectivity, extended processing times, and inability to detect subcellular abnormalities such as DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool offering high-precision sperm analysis through nanoparticles, biosensors, and microfluidic systems that enable real-time evaluation. This review explores current advancements including: quantum dot-based bioimaging, DNA fragmentation detection, oxidative stress measurement, microfluidic sperm sorting, and nano-biosensors for hormonal biomarker detection from non-invasive samples. Critically, these technologies could enhance diagnostic accuracy transitioning fertility care from static, single-visit assessments to dynamic, biomarker-guided interventions. However, clinical translation faces significant barriers. While global standardization bodies have established protocols for general nanoparticle characterization, diagnostic-specific standardization for fertility applications remains inadequate. Additional challenges include nanoparticle toxicity concerns, regulatory complexity, and economic barriers. Our comparative analysis indicates quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles show particular promise for immediate clinical translation, while microfluidic systems demonstrate superior DNA integrity preservation. This review proposes a roadmap integrating nanotechnology into andrology practice, emphasizing diagnostic capabilities, with future directions including artificial intelligence integration and point-of-care device development.