Decellularized porcine vascular grafts: structural integrity and translational potential for allogeneic implantation

Decellularized vascular grafts (DVGs) are a promising alternative to synthetic prostheses for applications requiring long-term patency and biological integration. Here, we assessed porcine decellularized carotid arteries as vascular grafts using a detergent-enzymatic protocol. We removed cellular components while preserving native extracellular matrix architecture. Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed effective removal of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, with intact collagen and elastin. Residual DNA content (32.6 ± 5.8 ng/mg) fell below the 50 ng/mg immunogenicity threshold. Mechanical testing showed tensile properties and burst pressure comparable to native vessels. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility. Hemocompatibility evaluation revealed a hemolysis ratio below 5%, coagulation parameters within normal ranges, and limited platelet adhesion with non-activated morphology. In vivo allogeneic implantation over 3 months showed graft patency without thrombosis or structural failure. Explanted grafts exhibited partial endothelial coverage, cellular infiltration, and smooth muscle cell migration, indicating active host-mediated remodeling. These findings indicate that porcine decellularized carotid arteries preserve essential architecture, biomechanics, bioactivity, and hemocompatibility required for vascular reconstruction, highlighting their translational potential as biologically functional and scalable vascular grafts.