For the first time, Spanish scientists have succeeded in keeping a human uterus viable outside the body for a full day. The endeavor was carried out by researchers from the Carlos Simon Foundation for Research in Women’s Health, according to a report by MIT Technology Review.
The organ was situated within a custom-engineered apparatus designated PUPE*, which the team informally refers to as the “Mother.” This machine is essentially a container equipped with tubing designed to mimic the circulatory system. The setup continuously supplied the tissue with oxygen and necessary nutrients, utilizing donated human blood, thereby ensuring the uterus remained viable for a period of 24 hours.
Prior to this human trial, the scientists dedicated four years to honing the technology using animal models. The initial setup was tested on the organs of six sheep, confirming the system’s capability to maintain stable function consistently for a 24-hour window.
The researchers aim to extend the operational duration of this apparatus to match that of a complete menstrual cycle. Achieving this would enable the study of crucial aspects of reproductive biology, notably the implantation of an embryo into the uterine lining and the underlying mechanisms of specific pathological conditions.
The project authors suggest that this technology also holds tangible benefits for clinical practice. The long-term plan involves utilizing this setup to enhance uterine transplantation protocols and to facilitate longer-term preservation of donated organs.
The subsequent phase of investigation is slated to take place at a hospital in Valencia, where the scientists will continue their experiments using donor tissue. The team’s ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive system capable of sustaining reproductive organs outside the human body.
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