An Open-Source Normothermic Perfusion System Designed for Research Scientists

Abstract

The integration of ex vivo perfusion machines for human organs prior to transplantation has improved outcomes for recipients and increased organ availability while revealing novel avenues of investigation for translational medicine. However, these machines have limited availability for experimental modifications while presenting a significant upfront cost investment and prohibitive per-use cost to the research scientist. Furthermore, there is a significant need for improved pre-clinical models in biomedical research that allow for authentic interrogation of cellular processes in the multi-cellular organ setting. To provide access to similar technology for the greater research community, we constructed a cost-effective modular normothermic perfusion machine entirely from readily sourced parts run with user-modifiable Python code. Since the system is devoid of customized hardware, investigators can construct and augment the system as required for individualized research applications. Herein, we describe the machine set-up and perfusion process in detail, convey our experience with porcine and human organs, and provide early proof-of-concept experimental results. These studies demonstrate the potential to interrogate pathophysiology and complex cellular processes using intact human tissue.