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Mechanical Dissociation of Tissues for Single Cell Analysis Using a Motorized Device
Published on: November 10, 2023
A novel device for the automatic decellularization of biological tissues
Alessandro F Pellegata1, M Adelaide Asnaghi, Sandro Zonta
1Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|March 31, 2012
Summary
A new automated device for decellularization of biological tissues was developed. This device ensures consistent results, reduces operator error, and is suitable for clinical applications in tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Decellularized biological scaffolds are crucial for tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and lack of immunogenicity.
- Manual decellularization processes have limitations in terms of reproducibility and scalability.
- Automating decellularization is essential for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop an automated device for decellularizing biological tissues.
- To overcome the limitations associated with manual decellularization procedures.
- To create a reliable and GMP-compliant process for tissue scaffold preparation.
Main Methods:
- A modular, automated device was engineered with fluid exchange and mechanical shaking capabilities.
- Porcine abdominal aortas were decellularized using the automated device and compared to manual methods.
- Histological (H&E, Movat pentachrome, DAPI) and mechanical analyses were performed after multiple decellularization cycles.
Main Results:
- The device demonstrated functionality and reliability in bench testing.
- Automated decellularization was effective, showing progressive cell removal over repeated cycles.
- Histological and mechanical properties of tissues processed by the automated device were comparable to manual methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed device successfully automates biological tissue decellularization.
- Automation minimizes operator-dependent variability and risks.
- The device is a reliable and functional tool for clinical tissue engineering applications.
