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Evaluation of decellularization in umbilical cord artery
P Mallis1, I Gontika1, T Poulogiannopoulos1
1Hellenic Cord Blood Bank (HCBB), Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Transplantation Proceedings
|November 26, 2014
Summary
Two decellularization protocols effectively removed cellular material from human umbilical arteries, preserving the extracellular matrix. Further research is needed to understand the impact on structure-function relationships for vascular graft applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Decellularized whole tissue scaffolds are promising for tissue engineering.
- Small-diameter vascular grafts (≤2 mm) are challenging to engineer due to limitations with synthetic polymers and autologous vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency of two decellularization protocols for human umbilical arteries (hUAs) for potential use in vascular grafts.
- To assess the preservation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and cellular material removal.
Main Methods:
- Histological and proteomic analysis were used to compare two decellularization protocols (A and B) on hUAs.
- Protocol A involved CHAPS, SDS, and α-MEM with FBS; Protocol B used Hypotonic Tris, SDS, and nuclease solution.
- DNA content was quantified, and ECM proteins (collagen I, fibronectin) were detected via immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Both protocols effectively removed cellular material while preserving ECM proteins like collagen I and fibronectin.
- Protocol A resulted in 6.2% DNA content, while Protocol B resulted in 17.3% DNA content.
- Proteomic analysis confirmed the removal of cytoplasmic enzymes and retention of cytoskeletal and ECM proteins in decellularized hUAs.
Conclusions:
- Both evaluated decellularization protocols are effective in removing cellular components from hUAs, maintaining ECM integrity.
- Further investigation is required to understand how altered structure-function relationships impact the fate of decellularized hUAs for clinical applications.
