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Decellularization and Recellularization of Whole Livers
Published on: February 4, 2011
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Optimizing the Decellularized Porcine Liver Scaffold Protocol.
Lanuza Alaby Pinheiro Faccioli1,2, Grazielle Suhett Dias1,3, Victor Hoff1
1Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cells, Tissues, Organs
|October 11, 2020
Summary
This study presents a rapid 72-hour protocol for decellularizing whole porcine livers, preserving extracellular matrix and vascular integrity. This method offers a viable solution for creating bioengineered liver scaffolds to address organ shortages.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Organ Engineering
Background:
- Developing decellularized scaffolds for whole-organ bioengineering is crucial for addressing organ transplantation shortages.
- Existing decellularization methods for human-sized liver scaffolds are often time-consuming.
- Efficient cell removal while preserving the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular network is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a rapid decellularization protocol for whole porcine liver scaffolds.
- To optimize the decellularization period for large-volume liver tissue.
- To assess the efficacy of the protocol in preserving ECM components and vascular integrity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of chemical and enzymatic agents for decellularization.
- Employed trypsin, sodium deoxycholate, and Triton X-100 perfusion.
- Applied the protocol to porcine livers weighing approximately 120 ± 4.2 kg (approx. 1.5 kg each).
- Decellularization was completed within 72 hours.
Main Results:
- Achieved complete translucency of porcine livers within 72 hours.
- Demonstrated efficient removal of cellular material.
- Confirmed preservation of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
- Maintained the integrity of the intricate vascular tree structure.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol significantly shortens the decellularization time for human-sized whole-liver scaffolds.
- The method effectively removes cells while preserving essential ECM and vascular architecture.
- This rapid decellularization technique is a promising advancement for generating bioengineered livers to combat organ scarcity.
