A microfluidic-engineered vascularized endometrium micro-organoid platform for functional repair of intrauterine adhesion

Biofabrication. 2026 Mar 18;18(2). doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/ae4f26.

Abstract

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial fibrosis and compromised regeneration, with a lack of effective clinical treatments. Here, we present a microfluidic biofabrication strategy to engineer vascularized endometrial micro-organoids that recapitulate the cellular complexity and function of native tissue. By co-encapsulating human endometrial stromal cells, epithelial organoids, and endothelial cells (HUVECs) in biocompatible hydrogel microspheres, we created 3D constructs supporting hormone responsiveness, decidualization, and pathological remodeling upon transforming growth factor-βstimulation. Transcriptomic profiling and single-cell sequencing revealed that the presence of endothelial cells alleviated hypoxia-induced inflammation and promoted epithelial homeostasis.In vivotransplantation into a murine IUA model led to improved engraftment, endometrial regeneration, and fertility recovery. This vascularized organoid system offers a scalable and translational platform for endometrial repair and disease modeling, highlighting the promise of biofabrication in reproductive regenerative medicine.

Keywords: endometrial organoids; endometrial regeneration; intrauterine adhesion; microfluidic tissue engineering; vascularized micro-organoids.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endometrium* / blood supply
  • Endometrium* / cytology
  • Female
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microfluidics* / methods
  • Microphysiological Systems
  • Organoids* / blood supply
  • Organoids* / cytology
  • Tissue Adhesions / pathology
  • Tissue Adhesions / therapy
  • Tissue Engineering* / instrumentation
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods