Liver Incubator for Functional Enhancement

In an ambitious collaboration between transplant surgeons, engineers, and basic scientists, we are developing a new technique to grow human liver segments outside the body to a size and function suitable for transplantation. This groundbreaking public-private partnership brings together experts in liver regeneration and organ preservation, combining forces to address one of the most pressing challenges in transplant medicine.

Currently, liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. In the EU, only 7,000 liver transplants are performed annually, covering just a fraction of the need. In the Netherlands alone, around 300 people are on the waiting list each year, with a shortfall of approximately 100 donor livers. The problem is even greater worldwide. Due to a lack of suitable donor organs, many patients are rejected or die while waiting. At the same time, chronic liver disease continues to rise, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and patients alike. Innovation is essential to reduce waiting times and save lives.

Our approach is based on a technique called normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), which keeps livers functional outside the body. We will combine this technology with regenerative therapies to stimulate liver growth. This will allow us to use small liver segments from living donors, or split livers, and grow them to transplantable size. It could even allow patients to receive a part of their own liver back, removing the risk of rejection.

This project will deliver both new machines and new medical insights into how liver regeneration works. These developments will expand the donor pool, make more patients eligible for transplant, improve recovery, and reduce healthcare costs. The Netherlands is poised to lead this revolutionary step forward in liver transplantation.