Revolutionary Advances in Cryopreservation Set to Revolutionize Organ Transplantation

**Halting the Degenerative Processes: Cryobiology and Organ Preservation**
Scientists are working on developing biological aging clocks and ways to reverse the process of aging. However, these breakthroughs may not be available in time for many people. As a result, many scientists are turning to an alternative field – cryobiology, which aims to halt degenerative processes using various technologies. In particular, organ cryopreservation has seen significant advancements, with organs being stored at below-freezing temperatures for longer periods of time.

**Advancements in Organ Cryopreservation**
Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sylvatica Biotech have reported the successful storage of human livers at below-freezing temperatures for over 3 days. This is roughly 10 times the clinically acceptable preservation period using conventional methods. Similarly, a research group at Johns Hopkins, also working with Sylvatica Biotech, successfully transplanted mammalian limbs after 3 days of storage at below-freezing temperatures. If this approach can be scaled to humans, it could help overcome the challenges of limb transplantation.

**Storing Organs at Deep Cryogenic Temperatures**
At the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations meeting, Sylvatica Biotech announced the first successful procedure to store mammalian transplant organs at deep cryogenic temperatures. This breakthrough opens doors for storing organs for transplantation in a similar way to how eggs and embryos are stored for in vitro fertilization. Kidneys in the study were held at deep cryogenic temperatures for up to 100 days before being transplanted into rats. This revolutionary study suggests that organs could be stored for years or even centuries without any measurable changes at the molecular level.

**The Career of Dr. Sebastian Giwa**
Dr. Sebastian Giwa, the founder and CEO of Sylvatica Biotech, has played a significant role in the advancement of cryopreservation. With an impressive background in various entrepreneurial ventures, including the nonprofit Organ Preservation Alliance and the companies Ossium Health and Sylvatica Biotech, Dr. Giwa has been at the forefront of cryopreservation research. He is also involved in major initiatives such as the Biostasis Research Institute and sits on the board of directors at NDN. Recognized as a leader in the biotech industry, Dr. Giwa has been tapped by Nature Biotechnology to share his insights on the future impact of life sciences.

**The Promise of Cryopreservation in Organ Transplantation**
As cryopreservation continues to advance, it has the potential to address the organ shortage crisis. Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) have shown great interest in cryopreservation, funding studies and providing rejected donor organs for research. Despite record-breaking increases in transplants performed, many organ offers are rejected by transplant centers, resulting in patients dying while waiting for suitable organs. Cryopreservation could potentially make more organs available for transplantation, benefiting those in need.

**Conclusion**
Cryobiology and organ cryopreservation are rapidly advancing fields that offer hope for addressing the challenges in organ transplantation. The breakthroughs discussed in this article demonstrate the potential of storing organs at below-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. With the leadership of individuals like Dr. Sebastian Giwa, cryopreservation may revolutionize not only organ transplantation but also the future of human health.