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Current achievements and future perspectives in whole-organ bioengineering
Andrea Peloso1,2, Abritee Dhal3, Joao P Zambon4
1IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of General Surgery, University of Pavia, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia, 27100, Italy. apeloso@wakehealth.edu.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|June 2, 2015
Summary
Bioengineering is creating implantable organs using decellularized scaffolds from native organs. These extracellular matrix scaffolds maintain vascular networks, offering a promising solution for organ transplantation challenges.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Bioengineering
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- End-stage organ failure is a major cause of death, with transplantation limited by donor organ scarcity and immunosuppression side effects.
- Bioengineering and regenerative medicine offer potential solutions for creating functional, implantable organs.
- Current limitations in organ transplantation necessitate innovative approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in whole-organ scaffolds for bioengineered organs.
- To highlight the potential of decellularized organ matrices in regenerative medicine.
- To identify challenges hindering the clinical application of bioengineered organs.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing whole-organ detergent-perfusion protocols to remove cells while preserving the native organ's three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Developing decellularized scaffolds from organs like the liver, kidney, and pancreas for subsequent cell seeding.
- Characterizing the ECM composition, including growth factors and intact vascular networks.
Main Results:
- Successful creation of decellularized organ scaffolds (liver, kidney, pancreas) using perfusion techniques.
- Demonstration that organ-specific ECM scaffolds retain essential growth factors and maintain vascular tree integrity.
- Established potential for integrating these scaffolds into the recipient's vascular system post-implantation.
Conclusions:
- Decellularized organ scaffolds represent a promising platform for developing bioengineered organs.
- The preserved ECM and vascular architecture are critical for future organ function.
- Further research is required to overcome complications before functional bioengineered organs can be clinically realized.
