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Comparable Decellularization of Fetal and Adult Cardiac Tissue Explants as 3D-like Platforms for In Vitro Studies
Published on: March 21, 2019
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The sequential effects of a multifactorial detergent based decellularization process on bovine pericardium
L Laker1, P M Dohmen1,2, F E Smit1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express
|January 23, 2022
Summary
This study details how each step in decellularization affects bovine pericardium scaffolds. Detergent and alcohol treatments damage collagen and remove glycosaminoglycans and triglycerides, impacting scaffold strength.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Decellularization yields extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds for reconstructive surgery.
- ECM scaffold properties depend on tissue source and decellularization methods.
- Optimized decellularization preserves the ECM microenvironment crucial for cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the impact of individual steps in a multifactorial decellularization protocol on bovine pericardium.
- To assess structural and mechanical integrity changes in ECM scaffolds during decellularization.
Main Methods:
- Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, protein quantification (total, ECM, triglycerides).
- Uniaxial tensile strength testing to evaluate biomechanical properties.
- Step-by-step analysis of a multifactorial decellularization process.
Main Results:
- Cell lysis occurred during detergent and alcohol steps.
- Detergent and alcohol treatments caused collagen damage but not significant concentration decrease.
- Glycosaminoglycans were removed by detergents; triglycerides by alcohol. Elastin remained largely undamaged.
- Scaffold strength decreased incrementally with each decellularization step.
Conclusions:
- Each decellularization step differentially affects ECM structure and mechanical properties.
- Understanding step-specific effects is vital for optimizing decellularization protocols.
- Characterization is essential for predicting scaffold performance in vivo.
