Donorsterkte

Donorsterkte is a Dutch term that describes the strength or potency of a donor within a system. The exact meaning varies by discipline, but it generally conveys how effectively a donor can influence outcomes, such as chemical behavior, biological engraftment, or transfer of material. Because the term is used in multiple fields, there is no single universal definition or unit.

In chemistry and materials science, donorsterkte refers to the electron-donating ability of a substituent, ligand, or fragment. It affects reactivity, binding strength, and the electronic properties of molecules and complexes. In practice, donorsterkte is assessed indirectly through experimental data such as binding constants, spectroscopic shifts, or comparative reactivity, and scales are context-specific rather than universal.

In transplantation medicine, donorsterkte describes the potential of a donor tissue or cells to engraft and function in the recipient. Factors include donor age and health, the degree of histocompatibility, and immunogenic characteristics. A donor with greater engraftment potential is considered to have higher donorsterkte, but predictions are probabilistic and contingent on many variables.

The term is not standardized across disciplines; researchers use their own criteria and methods to assess donorsterkte within a given study. See also related concepts such as donor–acceptor interactions, engraftment, and electron-donating strength in chemistry.