[Science World] The Approaching Era of 'Artificial Organs'

[Asia Economy] When organs inside the body are severely damaged due to accidents or diseases, transplant surgery is required. Many patients end up not receiving surgery while waiting for a suitable donor (organ provider) to appear. From 2013 over five years, 7,776 transplant waiting patients in Korea tragically lost their lives.

To solve this problem, scientists are researching ways to create ‘artificial organs.’ Among these, the most practical possibility lies in the field of ‘xenotransplantation,’ which uses organs from other animals. Among various animals, ‘dwaeji’ (pigs), whose organs closely resemble human organs and who produce many offspring, are gaining attention. Initially, practical-level research is being conducted on tissues with low rejection rates such as corneas, skin, ligaments, and islets of Langerhans, and efforts continue to develop genetically modified pigs with reduced rejection using gene-editing technologies.

Recently, ‘cell-based artificial organ’ technology, which cultivates desired organs by growing human cells, has also made progress. This technology obtains pluripotent stem cells from blood or cells taken from the patient’s body and then re-cultivates them into the required organs. Technologies such as organoid, which are organ-like structures, and bio 3D printing, which stacks cells to form organ shapes, are attracting attention.

Practical application is expected to come sooner than anticipated. According to research trend analyses by the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) and the National Biotechnology Policy Center, it is expected that these technologies will begin to be used in the medical market within about 10 to 15 years. This field is a representative example of convergent research. It requires cooperation across basic science research, medicine, biotechnology, and medical engineering, as well as collaboration among universities, hospitals, and industry. There is a need to actively prepare now to respond to the upcoming ‘artificial organ era.’

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Specialist Writer