Development of xenogeneic decellularized biotubes for off-the-shelf applications

In earlier studies, we developed in vivo tissue-engineered, autologous, small-caliber vascular grafts, called "biotubes," which withstand systemic blood pressure and exhibit excellent performance as small-caliber vascular prostheses in animal models. However, biotube preparation takes 4 weeks; therefore, biotubes cannot be applied in emergency situations. Moreover, for responses to various types of surgery, grafts should ideally be readily available in advance. The aim of this study was to develop novel, off-the-shelf, small-caliber vascular grafts by decellularizing in vivo tissue-engineered xenogeneic tubular materials. Silicone rod molds (diameter: 2 mm, length: 70 mm) placed in subcutaneous pouches of a beagle dog for 4 weeks were harvested with their surrounding connective tissues. Tubular connective tissues were obtained after pulling out the impregnated molds. Subsequently, they were decellularized by perfusion with sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100. They were stored as off-the-shelf grafts at -20°C for 1 week. The decellularized grafts derived from the beagle dog were xenogeneically transplanted to the abdominal aortas of rats (n = 3). No signs of abnormal inflammation or immunological problems due to the xenogeneic material were observed. Echocardiography confirmed the patency of the grafts at 1 month after implantation. Histological evaluation revealed that the grafts formed neointima on the luminal surface, and that the graft walls had cell infiltration. Little accumulation of CD68-positive macrophages in the graft wall was observed. Xenogeneic decellularized tubular tissues functioned as small-caliber vascular grafts, as well as autologous biotubes. This technology enables the easy fabrication of grafts from xenogeneic animals in advance and their storage for at least a week, satisfying the conditions for off-the-shelf grafts.