Novel method of preparing acellular cardiovascular grafts by decellularization with poly(ethylene glycol)

We have developed a new method of preparing acellular vascular grafts. Cellular components, including cell membranes and proteins in cytosol, were efficiently extracted from the vessels in a concentrated aqueous solution of poly(ethylene glycol), an amphiphilic biocompatible polymer. The residual DNA was digested by deoxyribonuclease I treatment after extraction with poly(ethylene glycol). The two-step extraction process proved quite effective at removing the cellular components while causing little damage to the extracellular matrices. We did not use any detergent that would damage the extracellular matrices. Therefore, vascular endothelial cells grew well on the acellular vessels after recellularization, promising longi-patent cardiovascular grafts.