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Processing of Human Cardiac Tissue Toward Extracellular Matrix Self-assembling Hydrogel for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications
Published on: December 4, 2017
Biocompatibility of acellular human pericardium
Saeed Mirsadraee1, Helen E Wilcox, Kevin G Watterson
1The Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. smirsadraee@gmail.com
The Journal of Surgical Research
|June 19, 2007
Summary
This study demonstrates that acellular human pericardial scaffolds are biocompatible and support cell growth. The decellularized scaffold shows a healthy tissue repair response in vivo, making it a promising biomaterial.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Human pericardium decellularization is feasible without compromising structural integrity.
- Acellular scaffolds offer potential for tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility of acellular human pericardial scaffolds.
- To assess the potential for reseeding and cell infiltration within the scaffold.
Main Methods:
- Pericardia underwent sequential decellularization using hypotonic buffer, SDS, and nuclease.
- Immunohistochemistry assessed cellular attachment factors.
- Fibroblast reseeding and in vivo biocompatibility (mouse model) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Decellularized scaffolds retained fibronectin; collagen IV and laminin were reduced.
- Fibroblasts successfully attached, infiltrated, and remodeled the scaffold in vitro.
- In vivo, the scaffold showed a healthy inflammatory response with myofibroblasts and macrophages, unlike native or fixed pericardium.
Conclusions:
- The acellular human pericardial scaffold is biocompatible both in vitro and in vivo.
- The scaffold supports cellular infiltration and indicates a favorable tissue repair process.

