Supercritical cartilage decellularization: Cosolvent effect on mechanical properties

Decellularized animal tissue may serve as scaffolds in tissue engineering. Despite the well-disseminated use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for decellularization, SDS-based methods are time-consuming and may cause extracellular matrix (ECM) denaturation. This study explores supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extraction as an alternative to decellularize chicken sternum cartilage. Various scCO2 decellularization methods were tested, including pure scCO2, scCO2 with water, ethanol, or their mixture. SDS outperformed in decellularization but caused the highest extracellular matrix damage. Pure scCO2 treatment for 2 h reduced mechanical resistance due to dehydration. scCO2 with 99 % ethanol led to extensive tissue dehydration, while the addition of 70 % ethanol increased cell removal without significant tissue damage. Further research is recommended to optimize scCO2 decellularization of this tissue with other cosolvents while maintaining adequate hydration. [Display omitted] •Supercritical CO2 (scCO2) may decellularize and preserve extracellular matrix (ECM).•SDS treatment led to the highest cell removal and decreased mechanical properties.•scCO2 + ethanol 99 % dehydrated the tissue, but increased mechanical properties.•scCO2 for 2 h dehydrated the tissue, decreasing mechanical properties.•scCO2 + ethanol 70 % showed excellent cell removal, not damaging ECM structure.