The brief

Analyst view

• ATP-Bio is an NSF-funded engineering research center with $26 million over five years, directed by John Bischof at U Minnesota.
• Demonstrated cryopreservation and nanowarming of rat kidneys for up to 100 days, followed by successful transplant.
• July 2026: supercooled pig kidney preservation and transplant (up to 72 hours) presented at American Transplant Congress.

Technical approach

As reported

Vitrification

Glass-like preservation without ice damage

Cryoprotectant chemicals prevent ice crystal formation. Ultra-low cooling creates a glassy state that stops biological activity.

Nanowarming

Rapid uniform rewarming via radiofrequency

Iron oxide nanoparticles respond to radiofrequency fields, generating uniform heat throughout the tissue without damage.

Multi-system approach

Convergent engineering and biology research

Cryobiologists, materials scientists, bioengineers, clinicians, and ethicists collaborate on preservation and regulatory challenges.