wholeorgan

Wholeorgan is a term used in regenerative medicine and bioengineering to describe efforts to fabricate an entire, functional organ—from a donor-like scaffold or from stem-cell–derived tissues—rather than only components or patches. While not a formal scientific category, the term appears in research articles, grant proposals, and conference discussions to denote organ-scale regeneration or fabrication projects. In some cases, 'wholeorgan' is used as a brand or project name for software or platforms related to organ modeling; the meaning varies by context.

Most discussions of wholeorgan center on two main strategies: decellularization of a donor organ to create a three-dimensional scaffold, followed by reseeding with patient-derived cells and culture in perfused bioreactors; and additive manufacturing or 3D bioprinting to build organ structures layer by layer. These approaches aim to restore vascular networks, parenchymal tissue, and organ-specific function while minimizing immune rejection. Challenges include achieving reliable vascularization, full cellularization, proper mechanical properties, and regulatory approval.

At present, fully functional whole human organs suitable for transplantation have not been produced for clinical use. Research has yielded ex vivo or small-animal models showing partial or organ-scale function, but extensive preclinical testing remains necessary. Advocates highlight potential to alleviate donor shortages and enable patient-specific therapies, while critics emphasize technical hurdles, cost, ethical considerations, and the risk of unintended consequences. The field continues to evolve with advances in stem cell biology, biomaterials, and computational modeling.