Detergent-Based Decellularization of Bovine Carotid Arteries for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Vascular diseases are an increasing health issue, and common alloplastic, allogenic or autologous vascular grafts show frequent complications. The aim of this study is to develop an acellular, xenogenic bypass-graft from a bovine carotid artery (BAC) using detergent-based protocols. We compared decellularization with sodium desoxycholate (DOA), 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and Triton X100 and improved suitable methods by variation of concentration, buffer system, incubation time, temperature, rinsing, and flow rate. All processes were evaluated systematically based on cellular residues, biocompatibility, structural and mechanical integrity. Decellularization with SDS and Triton X100 was not sufficient for the removal of cellular components. We optimized protocols using 1% DOA and Chaps by a buffered system at 37 °C with extended decellularization and rinsing. Decellularization with DOA depleted DNA to 0.5 ± 0.1% and soluble proteins to 0.6 ± 0.2%. Using Chaps, DNA was reduced to 0.2 ± 0.2% and proteins to 0.6 ± 0.3%. The improved protocols eliminated RNA completely from the matrix, and no cytotoxic effects were detected. Mechanical and structural integrity of decellularized tissues was comparable to non-decellularized controls. Our method effectively removed cellular components from the extracellular matrix while preserving the structural and mechanical integrity of the tissue. Decellularized BACs could be a promising alternative for vascular replacement therapy.