A team led by Matthew Powell Palm at Texas A&M University has successfully transplanted pig kidneys that were preserved at -4 °C (25 °F) for up to three days. This method, which avoids the tissue damage typically caused by ice formation, could significantly extend the time available for organ transport and matching, addressing a critical bottleneck in the transplant process.
Current clinical standards generally limit kidney storage on ice to approximately 24 hours. Beyond this window, organs often degrade, leading to a high rate of discarded donations. The new approach utilizes a hermetically sealed, pressure-controlled chamber that prevents freezing without the need for cryoprotective chemicals. By slowing the organ's metabolism through supercooling, the researchers demonstrated that kidneys could be stored for 24, 48, or 72 hours before being successfully reimplanted into donor pigs.
Post-transplant monitoring showed that the supercooled kidneys resumed function more effectively than those stored on ice for 24 hours. The organs continued to perform well over a 30-day observation period, during which they grew in size alongside the pigs. Kevin Myer, president and CEO of the organ procurement organization LifeGift, described the development as a "landmark achievement" that could fundamentally alter transplant logistics by allowing more time for evaluation and transport.
The research team, which presented their findings at the American Transplant Congress in Boston, is now exploring the potential to extend storage times beyond 72 hours. Because the process does not require cryoprotectants, the researchers anticipate a smoother regulatory path for potential human clinical trials. Plans are also underway to launch a company to further develop and commercialize the technology.
Source: MIT Technology Review
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