Chinese scientists in Shanghai have achieved a monumental breakthrough by growing a fully functional human kidney in the lab that can filter blood, balance electrolytes, and produce urine outside the body. This is not a model or simulation, but a real bioengineered organ capable of performing complex kidney functions.

Using stem cell-derived organoids seeded onto a biodegradable hydrogel vascular scaffold, the kidney tissue matured into working nephron structures including glomeruli, tubules, and urine-collecting systems. Connected to an artificial circulatory loop, the organ maintained stable blood filtration for over 60 hours, effectively separating waste and returning clean plasma. It also responded to hormones like ADH and aldosterone to regulate water and salt balance, mimicking natural kidney responses.

This breakthrough could revolutionize treatment for the 850 million people worldwide suffering from kidney failure. Current options like dialysis and transplants are limited by donor shortages and rejection risks. The lab-grown kidney offers hope for personalized, rejection-free transplants made from a patient’s own cells.

Human clinical trials are expected within two years following successful pig studies, moving us closer to on-demand organ manufacturing. This advance represents a historic leap in regenerative medicine and could end transplant waitlists forever.