Establishing Channels within Fiber-Based Hydrogels for Endothelialization; Modern Transplant Technologies and the Commodification of Human Organs: Fueling the Global Organ Trafficking Black Market

The global organ shortage has driven a black market in human organs that is best addressed with proactive measures rather than reactive ones. In response, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research is increasingly focused on reducing the demand for donor organs. The technical component of this project contributes to that effort by tackling a key challenge in tissue engineering: the formation of in vitro microvascular networks (MVNs), which are essential for sustaining engineered tissues. The project involves a novel microfluidics platform for promoting and studying MVN formation. The sociotechnical component involves the nature and realities of organ commerce globally, operating in both legal and illegal contexts, and evaluates how organ trade is being both stifled and perpetuated in different locations. In order to create effective and ethical systems for organ transplantation, it is important to analyze how the issue is currently handled in several contexts. The technical project has the potential to have a significant impact on medical research by providing new ways to restore damaged tissues. This will contribute to ongoing efforts to decrease the demand for organs, helping to curb illicit organ trade. The technical component works to solve a key challenge to tissue engineering research. MVNs are key for delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and are necessary for survival of engineered organoids. The goal of the project is to engineer perfusable endothelial-lined channels within a granular hydrogel microfluidic platform. Granular hydrogels are especially promising in this context, as they offer increased diffusivity and better mimic the porous environments found in physiological tissues, supporting cell integration and migration. If successful, the platform will not only enhance scientific understanding of MVN development but also serve as a tool for personalized disease modeling and drug testing in regenerative medicine. While the ultimate goal of creating fully perfusable, endothelial-lined channels has not yet been achieved, preliminary findings are promising. The granular material has been characterized with enhanced diffusive properties, suggesting a more favorable environment for cell migration and nutrient transport. Ongoing work is focused on improving cell viability and adhesion within the microchannels. The sociotechnical research component examines the global realities of the organ black market and how social, political, and technological systems interact to perpetuate organ trafficking across the world. An estimated 5-10% of global annual kidney transplants take place via illicit channels and most often involve exploitation of vulnerable groups, like migrants and the economically disadvantaged. Research methods involve a comparative analysis of three countries, taking into account national policies, public attitudes, and transnational influence. Findings highlight that, while developed legal frameworks are vital to establishing ethical organ transplant practices, they cannot succeed on their own. Public trust and awareness are essential to effective implementation, as well as accountability in healthcare settings. The healthcare professional plays a pivotal role; as the only ones who can successfully utilize transplant technologies, they are uniquely positioned to detect illegal activity and uphold ethical standards. Thus, policies that regulate hospitals and transplant facilities and promote ethical training among medical professionals may be the most impactful way forward.