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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
A Decellularization Methodology for the Production of a Natural Acellular Intestinal Matrix
Published on: October 7, 2013
Carbodimide cross-linked and biodegradation-controllable small intestinal submucosa sheets
Ching-Cheng Huang1, Ching-Yi Liu2, Chi-Yen Huang2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ming-Chuan University, 5 De Ming Rd., Gui Shan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan Metal Industries Research & Development Centre, 6F, No. 162-24, Sec. 3, Hsin-Yi Rd., Taipei 10658, Taiwan.
Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) treatment enhances small intestinal submucosa (SIS) properties. EDC-treated SIS shows improved mechanical strength and collagenase resistance, making it suitable for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biocompatibility
Background:
- Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a collagen-based matrix with potential for tissue regeneration.
- Optimizing SIS degradation rate and mechanical properties is crucial for effective application.
- SIS requires a degradation rate matching host tissue remodeling and good cytocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify the degradation rate and mechanical properties of SIS using Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC).
- To evaluate the morphology, composition, degradable ratio, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of EDC-treated SIS.
- To assess the suitability of EDC-treated SIS as a cell carrier for tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- SIS samples were treated with varying concentrations of EDC.
- Morphological analysis, collagenase degradation assays, mechanical testing (storage modulus), and cytocompatibility assays were performed.
- Native SIS properties (20 μm thickness, 60 μm pore size, 90% degradation, 388 MPa storage modulus) were established as baseline.
Main Results:
- EDC treatment significantly reduced SIS degradability, with 30 mM EDC for 24 hours resulting in only 6% degradation.
- The storage modulus of SIS increased to 777 MPa after EDC treatment, indicating enhanced mechanical strength.
- Cytocompatibility assays showed comparable cell numbers on native and EDC-treated SIS, confirming the non-toxicity of the EDC process.
Conclusions:
- EDC cross-linking effectively improves SIS collagenase resistance and mechanical strength.
- The modified SIS maintains good cytocompatibility, essential for tissue engineering.
- EDC-treated SIS presents a promising biomaterial for cell delivery in tissue engineering applications.
