US scientists have found a new way in preserving organs for transplantation
Scientists from the Universities of Minnesota and California Riverside have developed a new two-step “nanoheating” process. According to the authors of the project, it could fundamentally change the approach to organ transplantation.
This innovative technique safely heats frozen tissue using nanoscale magnetic rods. The researchers demonstrated that clusters of iron oxide nanoparticles exposed to an alternating magnetic field can generate enough heat to rapidly thaw tissues stored at -150 °C.
In the new method, the scientists added a 2nd step: when approaching the melting point of the cryoprotectant, they applied a horizontal magnetic field, which allowed them to control the heating and prevent the formation of hot spots. Testing showed that more than 80% of the cells remained viable after the procedure.
The researchers are confident that their work will bring them closer to the possibility of long-term organ preservation and, as a result, better transplant outcomes.