Re-endothelialization of non-detergent decellularized porcine vessels

Tissue engineering utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to generate constructs for the treatment and repair of diseased organs. Generation of small vessels as vascular grafts or as envisioned central vessel for vascularized constructs is still a challenge. Here, the decellularization of porcine vessels by a non-detergent based protocol was developed and investigated. Perfusion-decellularization with sodium hydroxide solution resulted in removal of cellular material throughout the whole length of the vessel while preserving structural and mechanical integrity. A re-endothelialization of the retrieved matrix with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and cardiac endothelial cells was achieved through rotation-based seeding employing a custom-made bioreactor. A confluent monolayer was detected on the entire luminal surface. Thus, a non-detergent-based decellularization method allowing the re-endothelialization of the luminal surface was developed in this study, thereby paving the way for future implementation of the resulting construct as vascular graft or as central vessel for tissue engineered constructs in need of a perfusion system with readily available anastomosis sites.