How science is building new organs from old ones

Every day, thousands of people around the world are waiting for an organ transplant, but there are not nearly enough donor organs to help everyone. Scientists are working on a creative solution: building new organs in the lab from old ones! This might sound like science fiction, but it’s becoming a reality through a process called decellularization, which removes cells from an organ and leaves behind a framework, or scaffold, that can be rebuilt with healthy cells.

What is decellularization and why does it matter?

Imagine your favorite playground. If you took away all the swings, slides, and ropes, you’d still see the metal frame. Similarly, decellularization is like gently washing away all the living cells from an organ, leaving behind a supportive structure made of proteins and fibers. Scientists can then add new, healthy cells from the patient or a donor, which grow and turn the scaffold back into a working organ. This method is especially important because it can help reduce the chances of the body rejecting the new organ.The science behind decellularization has been carefully studied. For example, researchers have explained how different techniques and cleaning solutions are needed to safely strip away the cells without damaging the scaffold. If done correctly, this process can create a safe and strong base for new organs, as described in this review of decellularized tissue scaffolds (Crapo et al., 2011).

How do scientists rebuild the organ?

Once the old cells are gone, scientists “recellularize” the scaffold by adding new cells. These can be taken from the patient needing the transplant or from another compatible source. The new cells settle into the scaffold and begin to grow, gradually turning the lifeless frame back into living tissue. To help these cells thrive, the organ is placed in a special machine called a bioreactor. The bioreactor acts like a mini-body, providing nutrients, oxygen, and even gentle movement, which encourage the cells to grow in the right way. Studies show that bioreactors are key for making the engineered organs as healthy and functional as possible (Tajima et al., 2022).

What organs can be engineered this way?

Scientists have already made progress with many organs, including kidneys, livers, hearts, and lungs. Some of the scaffolds used for building new human organs come from animals like pigs or cows, which are similar in size and structure to human organs. The animal organs are decellularized, and then human cells are added to the scaffold. This approach could make it easier to create organs big enough for adult patients.A recent study demonstrated that using animal-derived scaffolds for heart patches can help manage heart problems, offering hope for patients waiting for heart transplants (Akbarzadeh et al., 2022). However, the quality of the scaffold is very important; if it’s too weak or damaged, the new organ might not work as it should.

What are the challenges and safety concerns?

There are still some big challenges to overcome. For one, scientists must make sure all the old cells are gone so the patient’s immune system doesn’t attack the new organ. Another challenge is making sure the new organ works just like a real one, with proper blood flow and strength. Even after successful engineering, doctors and scientists must carefully check that the organs are safe, functional, and won’t cause infections or other problems.Because health technology is moving so quickly, there are also questions about privacy and handling sensitive health data. If you’re curious about how your health data is used in cutting-edge health AI, you can learn more about its value and importance in this SlothMD article. Plus, as more people use health AI tools, it’s important to know how to keep your health information private; check out these easy tips for protection in another SlothMD article.

What does this mean for patients?

The hope is that lab-built organs could one day help many more people who need transplants. Since the new organs can be made from a patient’s own cells, there is less chance the body will reject them, and patients might not need as many medicines to suppress their immune system. This could make transplants safer and more widely available. Scientists are still working hard to perfect these methods, but every step brings us closer to a future where no one has to wait for a lifesaving organ.With advances in tissue engineering and health AI, the dream of building organs for those in need is becoming more real every year. For families and patients, this could mean new hope and more healthy years ahead.