Researchers at the University of Edinburgh created the organs by manipulating stem cells – early cells which are the building blocks of the body – to form the structure of a kidney.
The scientists then managed to create kidneys which measure just half a centimetre in length – the same size as a kidney in a foetus. They hope the tiny kidneys will be able to grow to maturity after being transplanted into patients' bodies.
The kidneys were grown in the laboratory using a combination of cells from amniotic fluid – the fluid which surrounds all babies in the womb – and animal foetal cells in a breakthrough to be outlined at the city's Science Festival later this month.
The technique holds out the prospect of scientists being able to collect amniotic fluid at birth to be stored until needed at a later date if a patient develops kidney disease.
The patient's own amniotic fluid cells can then be used as the base for creating a new kidney.
Using the patient's own cells will, in theory, also end the problem of rejection that arises when an organ from a deceased donor is used.
Almost 7,000 people in the UK are currently on the waiting list for a new kidney, and demand for the organs is expected to grow as the average life expectancy increases.
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