Organ engineering, as opposed to tissue engineering, poses significant challenges including the urgent need for:
In recent years, a promising approach for functional organ replacement has emerged — the decellularization of whole organs. This approach provides an acellular 3D scaffold made of extracellular matrix (ECM).
Chiefly, the scaffold has shown to retain the native vascular network of the organ.
The long-term goal of this research is to establish the guidelines needed to produce functional bioengineered organs for clinical use.
These guidelines would cover whole organ:
McGowan Institute researchers in the Stephen Badylak Lab specifically focus on whole liver and heart regeneration.
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Bridgeside Point II
450 Technology Drive
Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Read information on campus shuttles.
Phone: 412-624-5500
Fax: 412-624-5363
Email: McGowan@pitt.edu
