Optimization and Standardization of Plant-Derived Vascular Scaffolds.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Plant-derived Extracellular Matrix

Background:

• Vascular graft failure due to thrombosis and poor integration necessitates advanced biomaterials.
• Synthetic grafts and autologous vessels have limitations, driving the need for alternatives.
• Plant-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) offers a scalable, biocompatible scaffold source.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize decellularization protocols for plant-derived ECM scaffolds.
• To evaluate the impact of processing parameters on scaffold properties and biological performance.
• To establish a reproducible framework for developing plant-derived vascular grafts.

Main Methods:

• Decellularization of Leatherleaf viburnum leaves using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Trypsin/Tergitol treatments.
• Optimization of clearing durations (6-72 hours) with bleach and Triton X-100.
• Assessment of DNA removal (>95%), mechanical properties (tensile testing), structural integrity (histology), and endothelial cell seeding efficiency.

Main Results:

• SDS-based protocols with shorter clearing times achieved >95% DNA removal and preserved mechanical properties.
• Shorter clearing times maintained ECM integrity and enhanced endothelial cell seeding efficiency.
• Larger leaves supported higher endothelial cell densities, indicating the importance of material source standardization.

Conclusions:

• Optimized plant-derived ECM scaffolds are mechanically robust and biologically compatible for vascular applications.
• The study provides a framework for reproducible plant-derived graft development.
• These findings pave the way for improved vascular tissue engineering solutions.