Rat Kidney Vitrification

Organ vitrification was first achieved in 1984 with a rabbit kidney, yet rewarming vitrified organs without ice formation has remained a challenge for over 40 years. The Bischof lab (BHMT) introduced a novel volumetric rapid rewarming technique—nanowarming—that demonstrated broad applicability across multiple organs.

Our recent breakthrough demonstrated the first successful vitrification and nanowarming of a mammalian organ (rat kidney), followed by reproducible, survivable transplants. This work, published in Nature Communications and featured on the cover of Science, involved the following key steps: perfusion, vitrification, nanowarming, and transplantation. This advancement opens new avenues for extended organ preservation and improved transplant outcomes.

Perfusion

The donor rat kidney was harvested and perfused with a cryoprotectant (CPA) called VMP. At the final stage of perfusion, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were introduced to fill the kidney’s vasculature.

Vitrification

The kidney was rapidly cooled in a controlled-rate freezer to achieve vitrification and stored at -150°C for up to 100 days.

Nanowarming

Rewarming was performed in a radiofrequency (RF) coil, where the IONPs generated rapid and uniform heat, preventing ice formation.

Transplantation

After washing out the CPA and IONPs, the kidney was transplanted. In our study, all five transplanted kidneys supported the recipients for the full 30-day period while maintaining proper function.

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