Project 1.
Detached Head Perfusion
Science
Organ perfusion is a critical biomedical technique used to sustain and preserve tissues outside the body by artificially maintaining circulation. It plays a central role in organ transplantation, enabling extended preservation times and improving graft viability. Advances in perfusion technology have led to improved outcomes for organ transplantation, trauma recovery, and research into tissue regeneration.
The concept of isolated head perfusion has historical precedence, with one of the most well-known cases being the Soviet-era dog head perfusion experiments led by Sergei Brukhonenko in the 1920s. These experiments demonstrated the feasibility of maintaining basic physiological functions in an isolated head through artificial circulation. While these early efforts were rudimentary and ethically controversial, they laid the groundwork for modern advancements in organ preservation, brain resuscitation, and neurophysiology.
Building upon these historical foundations, our experiment seeks to advance head perfusion through cutting-edge biomedical techniques. Unlike past efforts, which were primarily demonstrative, our focus is on refining perfusion protocols to sustain brain viability for extended periods. While several studies have successfully perfused isolated heads and brains, none have maintained consciousness or viability beyond a few hours. Our research aims to bridge this gap, providing a model for neuroprotective drug screening and paving the way for future advancements in human-machine integration and cyborgization.
We will employ state-of-the-art perfusion technologies, incorporating a live liver module, optimized nutrient delivery, and continuous physiological monitoring. By leveraging modern bioreactors, computational modeling, and real-time biomarker analysis, we aim to achieve superior brain tissue preservation while minimizing ischemic damage.
This research will provide critical insights into cerebral metabolism, neuronal resilience, and the future of long-term brain viability outside the body. Our team is already planning and bootstrapping the building of the bioreactor.
References:
White, Robert J., Maurice S. Albin, and Javier Verdura. "Isolation of the monkey brain: in vitro preparation and maintenance." Science 141.3585 (1963): 1060-1061.
Mühlethaler, Michel, et al. "The isolated and perfused brain of the guinea‐pig in vitro." European Journal of Neuroscience 5.7 (1993): 915-926.
Vrselja, Zvonimir, et al. "Restoration of brain circulation and cellular functions hours post-mortem." Nature 568.7752 (2019): 336-343.
Andrijevic, David, et al. "Cellular recovery after prolonged warm ischaemia of the whole body." Nature 608.7922 (2022): 405-412.
Shariff, Muhammed, et al. "Maintenance of pig brain function under extracorporeal pulsatile circulatory control (EPCC)." Scientific reports 13.1 (2023): 13942.
Guo, Zhiyong, et al. "Liver protects neuron viability and electrocortical activity in post-cardiac arrest brain injury." EMBO Molecular Medicine 16.10 (2024): 2322-2348.
Team
Articles by team
Chitosan/PEG-mediated spinal cord fusion after complete dorsal transection in rabbits – functional results at 30 days
PEG-chitosan (Neuro-PEG) induced restoration of motor function after complete transection of the dorsal spinal cord in swine
