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Decellularization and Recellularization of Whole Livers
Published on: February 4, 2011
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Perfusion decellularization of whole organs.
Jacques P Guyette1, Sarah E Gilpin1, Jonathan M Charest2
11] Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [3].
Nature Protocols
|May 31, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a pressure-controlled perfusion decellularization method to create acellular 3D scaffolds from whole organs. This technique preserves extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and vascular networks for organ engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The native extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for organ architecture and function.
- Developing functional organ scaffolds requires preserving ECM composition and vascularity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a standard process for pressure-controlled perfusion decellularization of whole organs.
- To generate acellular 3D scaffolds with preserved ECM protein content, architecture, and perfusable vascular conduits.
Main Methods:
- Antegrade perfusion of detergents and washes to arterial vasculature at low physiological pressures.
- Application to complex organs like hearts, lungs, and kidneys.
- Adaptation for both small-animal and clinically relevant models (rat, porcine, human organs).
Main Results:
- Successful decellularization of complex organs while preserving ECM structure and vascular conduits.
- Demonstrated scalability from rodent to larger animal and human organs.
- Generated acellular scaffolds suitable for recellularization.
Conclusions:
- Pressure-controlled perfusion decellularization is an effective method for creating native-like organ scaffolds.
- These scaffolds offer a novel platform for organ engineering and regeneration.
- Potential applications include ex vivo experimentation and in vivo clinical use.
