The quest to keep organs alive outside the body
This week, I covered a fascinating effort to preserve organs outside the body. There’s a huge shortage of donor organs, and one of the main reasons is time—they survive only a matter of hours outside the body, even when they’re kept on ice. Doctors dream of organ banks—stores of human organs that can be preserved…
Source: MIT Technology Review · July 24, 2026 at 11:01 PM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 JULY 2026 —
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KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 - In a groundbreaking development, researchers have made significant strides in preserving organs outside the human body, a breakthrough that could potentially alleviate the shortage of donor organs. The main obstacle in organ transplantation has been the limited time frame during which organs can survive outside the body, even when stored on ice. However, a team of scientists has successfully supercooled pig kidneys, preserving them for days at a temperature of −4 °C (25 °F), and subsequently reimplanting them into pigs.
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This achievement is the latest in a series of efforts to develop organ banks, which would enable the storage of human organs for extended periods, allowing for thorough testing, matching, and transportation to recipients. The ability to freeze organs has proven to be a significant challenge, as the formation of ice crystals causes irreparable damage, rendering the organs unusable. Despite these difficulties, researchers have continued to explore various methods, including cryopreservation, a process that involves rapid extreme cooling to a temperature of −196 °C, resulting in a glasslike state. This technique is commonly used for the preservation of eggs, sperm, and embryos, which can be stored for decades and remain viable.
While cryopreservation has been successful for smaller biological samples, it has yet to be achieved for human organs. However, some individuals have opted for cryopreservation of their bodies or brains, with the hope that future advancements may enable reanimation. In one notable case, gerontologist Stephen L. Coles had his brain cryopreserved after his death in 2014, and subsequent studies have shown that the brain cells, although shrunk, can "bounce back" when rewarmed. Nevertheless, experts caution that this does not necessarily imply that the cells are alive or that reanimation is possible.
Researchers are exploring alternative methods to preserve organs, including the use of machine perfusion devices that mimic the body's natural processes by supplying nutrients and oxygen. These devices have been used to maintain livers and kidneys for up to 24 hours and are being adapted for other organs, including eyeballs and uteruses. A team of scientists in Valencia has developed a perfusion system, nicknamed "Mother," which has successfully kept a human uterus alive for a day. These advancements have significant implications for the field of organ transplantation and may potentially increase the availability of donor organs.
In Malaysia, the demand for organ transplants is high, and the country is taking steps to increase the number of donations. The development of organ banks and improved preservation techniques could help address the shortage of donor organs and provide new hope for patients awaiting transplants. According to experts, the key to successful organ preservation lies in understanding the complex interactions between the organ, the preservation method, and the recipient's body. As research in this field continues to advance, it is likely that new technologies and techniques will emerge, further increasing the possibilities for organ transplantation.
The use of machine perfusion devices and other preservation methods is becoming increasingly common, with several hospitals and research institutions in Malaysia and the region exploring these technologies. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the progress made in recent years is promising, and experts are optimistic about the potential for significant advancements in the near future. As the field of organ preservation continues to evolve, it is likely that new breakthroughs will be achieved, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients awaiting transplants.
In the coming weeks, MIT Technology Review will provide further coverage of the latest developments in organ preservation, including the potential use of chemical cocktails to store organs at lower temperatures for extended periods. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, it is likely that new and innovative solutions will emerge, addressing the complex challenges associated with organ transplantation and preservation. With strong government support and increasing investment in research and development, Malaysia is well-positioned to play a significant role in the advancement of organ preservation technologies.
As the quest to keep organs alive outside the body continues, it is clear that significant progress has been made, and the potential for future breakthroughs is substantial. With ongoing research and development, it is likely that the field of organ transplantation will continue to evolve, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients and increased availability of donor organs. The development of organ banks and improved preservation techniques has the potential to revolutionize the field of organ transplantation, and Malaysia is poised to play a key role in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of research.