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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:20
Two Methods for Decellularization of Plant Tissues for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: May 31, 2018
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Biocompatibility of decellularized spinach leaves
Joshua R Gershlak1,2,3, Cole K Burgess1, Gianluca Fontana4
1Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA USA.
Npj Biomedical Innovations
|July 7, 2025
Summary
Decellularized spinach leaves show promise as biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering. Modified protocols enhance safety, leading to successful integration and limited immune response in rat implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Plant-based Scaffolds
Background:
- Decellularized spinach leaves previously showed potential as prevascularized scaffolds.
- Further investigation into leaf scaffold biocompatibility is necessary for clinical translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility of decellularized spinach leaf scaffolds using modified decellularization protocols.
- To assess the host response and tissue integration of functionalized leaf scaffolds in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Modified decellularization protocols using reduced detergent concentration and time.
- In vitro leaching assays to assess cell viability.
- Subcutaneous implantation of decellularized and RGD-dopamine peptide-functionalized leaf scaffolds in Sprague Dawley rats.
- Histological analysis to evaluate host tissue integration and immunological response.
Main Results:
- Modified decellularization resulted in limited toxicity and minimal impact on cell viability.
- Implanted leaf scaffolds exhibited a limited immunological response up to 4 weeks.
- RGD-dopamine peptide-functionalized scaffolds showed enhanced integration with host tissue, including collagen deposition within 1 week.
Conclusions:
- Modified decellularization protocols improve the safety profile of spinach leaf scaffolds.
- Decellularized spinach leaves demonstrate good biocompatibility and promote host tissue integration.
- These findings support the potential of plant-derived scaffolds for regenerative medicine and clinical applications.
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