Transforming Reproductive Science Delivery Systems
A WRH Research Group operates within our department’s Reproduction and Genetics theme and is run by Prof. Kevin Coward
Molecular delivery systems for gametes and embryos
Why this project is important?
We are developing nanoparticle- and extracellular vesicle-mediated systems to help deliver molecular agents into sperm, eggs, and embryos in experimental scenarios.
These methods could provide a unique tool for studying or manipulating molecular targets in gametes or embryos during fertilisation or early embryogenesis, and may, in future, provide an effective means of delivering targeted clinical agents to augment functionality.
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How this study can help
Molecular delivery methods provide us with a tool with which to manipulate biological pathways in sperm, oocytes, and embryos prior, during or after fertilisation, thus allowing us to gain significant insight into how specific biological pathways and signalling systems work.
In addition, if translated to clinical scenarios, our molecular delivery systems could help to augment functionality to improve fertilisation rates and the progression of early embryogenesis or perhaps be used to develop novel contraceptives.
This study is lead by Prof. Kevin Coward
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Artificial reproductive technology (ART) remains the gold standard for treating human infertility and involves the complex laboratory micromanipulation of sperm and oocytes to create an embryo in vitro which is then transferred back to the mother’s uterus for implantation. However, success rates rarely exceed 35%; consequently, there is a significant need for basic scientific research to address this inefficiency and translate improvements in methodology, diagnosis, and therapy back into the clinical embryology laboratory.
It may be possible to treat certain infertile conditions by delivering a therapeutic agent directly into pre-selected oocytes or sperm prior to fertilisation, or even to the embryo prior to implantation. However, there are no efficient techniques at present that can ‘treat’ poor quality gametes or embryos by delivering therapeutic compounds aimed to augment or suppress physiological function. This is because these specialised cells are highly resistant to the uptake of exogenous compounds. Existing experimental delivery technologies all involve some form of chemical, electrical or invasive treatment, which may cause further iatrogenic damage.
How we are doing it
In our laboratory, we are developing nanoparticle- and extracellular vesicle-mediated systems to deliver engineered protein constructs, or other molecular agents, into mammalian gametes and embryos in experimental scenarios.
Nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles are incredibly small and are taken up by cells by normal biological pathways without the need for intervention. Such methods could provide a useful tool for studying or manipulating target proteins during fertilisation and early embryogenesis, and may, in future, provide an effective means of delivering targeted clinical agents to augment (or block) functionality.
Currently, artificial reproductive technology (ART) remains the gold standard for human infertility treatment and involves the complex laboratory micromanipulation of sperm and oocytes to create an embryo in vitro which is then transferred back to the mother’s uterus for implantation. However, success rates rarely exceed 35%.
WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE
We are developing intricate systems, involving very small biological molecules, that might help us to deliver specific cargoes into sperm, eggs, or embryos. This work allows us to manipulate biological systems during and just after fertilisation to enhance our understanding of this complex period of life. In the future, these delivery systems could be used in ART clinics to improve the health and viability of sperm, eggs, or embryos, and improve clinical outcomes.
UPDATE: How our research is going?
Our published work relates mostly to the development of nano- and extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery tools for use with sperm; we are only just beginning to consider oocytes and embryos. Thus, far we have developed nano- and extracellular vesicle-based systems that can be modified to carry a specific (and detectable) molecular cargo into the sperm of an animal model in a preferential manner. Our next challenge is to deliver a cargo that can be delivered into a sperm and then exert a biologically functional effect either in the sperm itself, the oocyte, or the embryo.
Useful links
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Sperm and PLCzet
A WRH Research Group operates within our department's Reproduction and Genetic theme, lead by Prof. Kevin Coward
Reproductive Medicine and Genetics theme
Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health manages over 30 research groups that fall within either Global Health, Cancer, Maternal & Fetal Health; Big data; and Reproductive Medicine & Genetics.
MSC in Clinical Embryology
Oxford Universities one-year, residential-taught Masters course aims to provide graduates from either a scientific or clinical background with advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Latest publications
Editorial: Post pregnancy contraception
Journal article
Makins A., (2026), Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 105, 102705 - 102705
Symptom flares in endometriosis: burden, self-management and barriers to care in a cross-sectional survey
Journal article
Coxon L. et al, (2026), BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in Fibromyalgia: Comparative Evidence of Neuronal Injury Across Chronic Pain Conditions.
Journal article
Fundaun J. et al, (2026), PAIN Reports
The research team
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Kevin Coward
Associate Professor, Director of Taught Programmes and Co-Director of the MSc in Reproductive Genetics
How can you help?
You can support the ongoing work of the Molecular Delivery project through donations, collaborations and research support. If you wish to support our work, please contact us or email Prof. Kevin Coward.