Extending Donor Organ Preservation Time
Outcome/Accomplishment
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), based at the University of Minnesota, and several of its member partners were highlighted in a June 2026 Nature Biotechnology feature article examining the rapid progress being made in cryobiology and organ preservation. The article, “Next-gen cryo promises transplant surgeons more time,” explores emerging technologies that could extend the preservation time of donor organs from hours to days, and ultimately enable long-term organ banking. In particular it features NSF ATP-Bio’s groundbreaking recent progress in biopreservation and transplant innovation.
Impact/Benefits
Sub-zero technologies that reduce ice damage in organs will extend donor-graft shelf life, offering transplant centers more time to match recipients and save lives. ATP-Bio’s achievements in this field are shaping the future of translational research in transplantation and biomedicine and will have significant impact on cryopreservation science and organ preservation.
Explanation/Background
The feature article recognizes the contributions of ATP-Bio researchers and partner/member organizations, including the University of Minnesota, Massachusetts General Hospital, Texas A&M University, Maximize Bio, BioChoric, and Until Labs, who are advancing innovations in subzero preservation, cryoprotectants, vitrification, and organ rewarming technologies.
Nature Biotechnology also notes the growing national investment in cryobiology and highlights the role of NSF ERCs in fostering collaboration among academic, industry, and clinical partners to accelerate innovation and translation. The article underscores the importance of ATP-Bio’s work in developing technologies that preserve, store, transport, and distribute biological systems—advances that could fundamentally change how organs, tissues, cells, and other biological materials are used in medicine.
“Recognition in Nature Biotechnology reflects the remarkable progress being made across the cryobiology community and the power of collaborative research to address one of medicine’s most significant challenges,” said Dr. John Bischof, ATP-Bio Center Director. “Our vision is to make biological preservation a transformative platform technology that expands access to transplantation and improves patient outcomes.”
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesotawebsite
Start Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), based at the University of Minnesota, and several of its member partners were highlighted in a June 2026 Nature Biotechnology feature article examining the rapid progress being made in cryobiology and organ preservation. The article, “Next-gen cryo promises transplant surgeons more time,” explores emerging technologies that could extend the preservation time of donor organs from hours to days, and ultimately enable long-term organ banking. In particular it features NSF ATP-Bio’s groundbreaking recent progress in biopreservation and transplant innovation.
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesotawebsite
Start Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
Sub-zero technologies that reduce ice damage in organs will extend donor-graft shelf life, offering transplant centers more time to match recipients and save lives. ATP-Bio’s achievements in this field are shaping the future of translational research in transplantation and biomedicine and will have significant impact on cryopreservation science and organ preservation.
Explanation/Background
The feature article recognizes the contributions of ATP-Bio researchers and partner/member organizations, including the University of Minnesota, Massachusetts General Hospital, Texas A&M University, Maximize Bio, BioChoric, and Until Labs, who are advancing innovations in subzero preservation, cryoprotectants, vitrification, and organ rewarming technologies.
Nature Biotechnology also notes the growing national investment in cryobiology and highlights the role of NSF ERCs in fostering collaboration among academic, industry, and clinical partners to accelerate innovation and translation. The article underscores the importance of ATP-Bio’s work in developing technologies that preserve, store, transport, and distribute biological systems—advances that could fundamentally change how organs, tissues, cells, and other biological materials are used in medicine.
“Recognition in Nature Biotechnology reflects the remarkable progress being made across the cryobiology community and the power of collaborative research to address one of medicine’s most significant challenges,” said Dr. John Bischof, ATP-Bio Center Director. “Our vision is to make biological preservation a transformative platform technology that expands access to transplantation and improves patient outcomes.”