Scientists from the University of California in Riverside have developed innovative technology capable of extending the shelf life of human tissues for transplantation. This new method, called “nanoprogrev,” utilizes magnetic nanoparticles for quick and uniform defrosting of organs.
In the field of transplantology, time is of the essence as organ quality deteriorates rapidly during transportation. Organs are typically placed in cold environments post-extraction to reduce metabolic activity and oxygen demand. However, existing procedures do not fully guarantee organ safety, with tissue damage due to premature heating being a major concern.
The new approach developed by researchers can significantly reduce the risk of damage caused by the formation of ice crystals in organs.
Lead researcher Yin Yin explained, “Magnetic nanoparticles of extremely small size and high dispersion are incorporated into the tissue along with cryoprotective agents. Unlike traditional heating methods, where heat is applied externally, nanoprogrev generates heat internally within the tissue.”
Experiments involved placing cultivated cells or animal tissues in a solution containing magnetic nanoparticles and a cryoprotector, followed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. When exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the nanoparticles produced heat, enabling rapid defrosting of animal tissues preserved at temperatures as low as -150 degrees Celsius.
A key feature of the nanoprogrev method is its two-stage heating process. Initially, an alternating magnetic field quickly heats the tissue, followed by the use of a static magnetic field to slow down heating in areas with higher nanoparticle concentrations. This ensures a more uniform and controlled defrosting process.
While the results of the study are promising, researchers acknowledge that there are still hurdles to overcome before practical application. Ensuring easy introduction and removal of nanoparticles from organs is crucial, and efforts are underway to reduce the size of the nanoparticles while maintaining their effectiveness.