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Towards a bioengineered kidney: recellularization strategies for decellularized native kidney scaffolds
Michele Fedecostante1, Oana G Onciu1, Koen G C Westphal1
1Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht - The Netherlands.
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Researchers are engineering bioartificial kidneys using decellularized scaffolds repopulated with cells. This innovative approach aims to create transplantable organs for kidney disease patients, offering alternatives to dialysis and transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Organ Engineering
Background:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients require kidney transplants, but donor organ shortages persist.
- Current dialysis treatments are a temporary measure, highlighting the need for alternative kidney function solutions.
- Whole-organ bioengineering using natural scaffolds is an emerging strategy for complex organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scaffold decontamination and explore recellularization strategies for bioengineered kidneys.
- To discuss cell types, sources, and seeding methods for kidney tissue engineering.
- To highlight potential applications of bioengineered kidneys beyond renal replacement therapy.
Main Methods:
- Decellularization of kidney scaffolds to create an extracellular matrix.
- Repopulation of decellularized scaffolds with autologous cells.
- Review of recellularization techniques and critical considerations.
Main Results:
- The manuscript focuses on recellularization strategies after briefly reviewing scaffold decontamination.
- It discusses critical aspects such as cell sources, types, and seeding methods.
- Potential applications for bioengineered organs in research and drug development are explored.
Conclusions:
- Bioengineered kidneys hold promise for addressing organ shortages and advancing kidney disease treatment.
- Recellularization of decellularized scaffolds is a key strategy for creating functional, transplantable organs.
- Engineered kidneys offer broader applications in biological research, disease modeling, and drug screening.
