Organ preservation remains a critical field in addressing the global organ shortage crisis. The disparity between demand and supply of donor organs is staggering, with only a fraction of needs met worldwide. This challenge is compounded by the limitations inherent in current preservation methods, which restrict the time organs can remain viable for transplantation. While traditional techniques have been instrumental in advancing transplant medicine, they face significant hurdles that necessitate innovation.

New approaches are reshaping the landscape of organ preservation. Static cold storage (SCS), though widely used due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, has clear limitations in terms of preservation duration. Machine perfusion (MP), offering an alternative by maintaining organ function through continuous oxygen and nutrient delivery, extends viability but introduces its own complications. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) shows promise in preserving organs for days, while normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) enhances survival rates in specific cases like liver transplants. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly concerning toxicity from cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and structural issues post-transplantation.

Emerging technologies hold the key to overcoming existing barriers in organ preservation. Cryopreservation techniques, especially vitrification, offer potential solutions for long-term preservation by replacing water with solutes to prevent ice crystal formation. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate CPA toxicity and improve rewarming processes. Successes in animal models indicate the feasibility of extending organ viability significantly. As research progresses, the focus shifts toward enhancing efficiency, reducing toxicity, and refining techniques to achieve high-quality, extended preservation. Through these efforts, the path toward resolving the global organ shortage becomes clearer, emphasizing the importance of continued scientific exploration and collaboration.