Novel Method of Decellularized Organ Scaffold Construction Using Electroporation

As technology continues to increase, a plethora of potential solutions, and with them, further complications, is arising in the realm of artificial organ construction. Researchers at Virginia Tech have made progress in the development of turning organs into decellularized scaffolds through irreversible electroporation and active mechanical perfusion. These scaffolds could theoretically be reseeded with cells from the recipient and develop into a fully functional organ.

The peculiar method used (electroporation) for decellularization is what makes the research done at Virginia Tech novel and potentially useful, if it ultimately proves superior to other methods of biological scaffold creation currently in place. Electroporation involves targeting surface tissue with electrodes and applying brief but intense electric pulses in order to destroy the cellular components of the tissue. Needle electrodes were used to actively perfuse the entire tissue. The experiments were done on porcine (pig) livers, freshly harvested specifically for this purpose. After 24 hours of treatment, legions of complete decellularization were present around the area the electrodes had been placed, and most importantly, bile ducts and vascular structures in the liver remained intact; a requirement for proper reseeding.

This article interested me as I am interested in organ construction in general, and had already seen the potential decellularized scaffolds could have in the development of rat lungs in an article for VTPP 435. As barring some great catastrophe, there will never be enough organs available for transplant from one human to another, the development of functional artificial or bioengineered organs will be crucial to the future of medical care.

John Gruetzner
VTPP 435 - 502

Link: Towards the Creation of Decellularized Organ Constructs Using Irreversible Electroporation and Active Mechanical Perfusion