Deep-freezing donated organs might one day help improve the transplant supply but scientists must first figure out how to thaw the delicate tissue without it cracking. Now researchers are taking a first step toward that goal, using nanotechnology to create super heaters for preserved tissue.
Today, small amounts of tissue like sperm or heart valves can be preserved frozen for long periods. But organs last for only hours outside the body.
University of Minnesota researchers bathed animal tissue in magnetic nanoparticles and zapped them with radiofrequency energy. The particles turned into tiny heaters that rapidly and evenly warmed the tissue surrounding them.
Years of additional research are needed before attempting to thaw human organs.
Wednesday's study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
