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Decellularization methods for developing porcine corneal xenografts and future perspectives
Abdulkadir Isidan1, Shaohui Liu2, Ping Li1
1Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Xenotransplantation
|October 30, 2019
Summary
Corneal xenotransplantation using decellularized porcine corneas offers a solution to the global shortage of donor tissues. This review compares various decellularization methods to optimize efficacy and biocompatibility for corneal grafts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Corneal opacities necessitate corneal transplantation, but a significant global shortage of donor tissues exists.
- Corneal xenotransplantation, particularly using porcine corneas, is being explored to address this deficit.
- Decellularized porcine corneas, potentially recellularized with host cells, aim to reduce immune rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare various decellularization methods for porcine corneas.
- To evaluate decellularization techniques based on mechanism, efficacy, biocompatibility, and impact on corneal ultrastructure.
- To identify optimal strategies for preparing porcine corneas for xenotransplantation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on decellularization techniques for porcine corneas.
- Comparison of nine distinct decellularization methods: sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100, hypertonic saline, human serum with electrophoresis, high hydrostatic pressure, freeze-thaw, nitrogen gas, phospholipase A2, and glycerol with chemical crosslinking.
- Evaluation criteria included mechanism of action, decellularization effectiveness, biocompatibility, and preservation of corneal ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Multiple decellularization techniques exist, but no single standardized protocol ensures complete decellularization.
- Different methods vary in their efficacy, biocompatibility, and potential to damage the corneal extracellular matrix.
- Combined decellularization approaches appear more promising for achieving efficient and safe corneal tissue preparation.
Conclusions:
- Effective decellularization of porcine corneas is crucial for successful corneal xenotransplantation.
- Combining different decellularization methods may overcome the limitations of individual techniques.
- Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols that preserve corneal integrity and promote successful engraftment.
