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Comparative Analysis of Decellularization Protocols for Human Placenta: Balancing Cell Removal with Extracellular
Saba Nikanfar1, Shunran Zhang1, Saeid Moghassemi1
1Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 54, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Optimizing decellularization of placental tissue yields superior extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds. The NaOH protocol with DNase treatment best preserves ECM integrity for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural and functional support for tissues.
- Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine due to its inherent bioactivity.
- The human placenta is an abundant and suitable source for dECM production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize decellularization protocols for human placental tissue.
- To evaluate the impact of different protocols on ECM integrity and functionality.
- To develop injectable dECM hydrogels for regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Compared four decellularization protocols (P1-P4) using detergents (SDS, Triton X-100), enzymes (trypsin, DNase), and sterilization.
- Processed lyophilized dECM into injectable hydrogels.
- Characterized hydrogels for DNA content, mechanical properties, rheology, and degradation.
Main Results:
- DNase treatment effectively reduced DNA content below 50 ng/mg.
- High SDS concentrations (P2) led to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) depletion and ECM disruption.
- Milder protocols (P1, P3) preserved GAGs and ECM proteins like collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin.
- The NaOH protocol (P3) with DNase treatment demonstrated consistent hydrogel formation and superior ECM preservation.
- Hydrogel mechanical properties varied significantly between protocols.
Conclusions:
- Detergent selection and DNase treatment critically influence ECM retention and dECM hydrogel functionality.
- The NaOH-based protocol (P3+) with DNase treatment is optimal for preserving placental dECM.
- This optimized protocol provides a foundation for developing advanced placental dECM scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
