Abstract:
Introduction. Tissue transplantation represents an essential component of modern regenerative and
reconstructive medicine. In the Republic of Moldova, this field has evolved progressively since the
1960s, beginning with the use of bone grafts and culminating in the establishment of a national
infrastructure for tissue banking. The creation of the Human Tissue and Cell Bank (HTCB) in 2011
marked a pivotal advancement, enabling the systematic collection, processing, preservation, and
distribution of human tissues and cells.
Materials and Methods. This study presents a descriptive and historical review of the development
and activity of tissue banking in Moldova, with a focus on the 13-year operational period of the HTCB
within the Clinical Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopedics. Data were collected from institutional
records, historical documents, and reported clinical milestones, emphasizing infrastructure
development, leadership, and clinical implementation of tissue transplantation.
Results. The origins of tissue transplantation in Moldova date back to 1962 with the establishment of
the Tissue Preservation Laboratory, initially within the Republican Blood Transfusion Station and later
relocated to the Clinical Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopedics. Under successive leadership, the
laboratory contributed significantly to graft preservation and clinical application. A major milestone
was achieved in 2011 with the establishment of the HTCB under the coordination of Professor Viorel
Nacu. The bank was structured to include specialized units for reception, processing, clean-room
operations, storage, and distribution. Since its inauguration in 2013, the HTCB has successfully
implemented multiple transplantation procedures, including the first allogeneic corneal harvesting and
transplantation, as well as skin harvesting and grafting procedures. The bank supports a wide range of
tissues, including skeletal grafts, corneas, skin, amniotic membranes, and autologous bone marrowderived cells.
Conclusions. Over thirteen years of activity, the Human Tissue and Cell Bank has become a
cornerstone of Moldova’s healthcare system, significantly contributing to the advancement of
transplantation medicine. Continued development requires sustained investment, adherence to
international standards, and integration with European regulatory frameworks to ensure quality, safety,
and future expansion.
