Evaluation of the chemical-enzymatic decellularization method for obtaining extracellular trachea matrixes in a porcine model

Introduction: Different diseases may affect the trachea and, therefore, the quality of life. Tissue engineering may be a therapeutic alternative for patients with such diseases, using decellularized trachea matrixes seeded with cells from the recipient, which do not generate immune response and may even prevent rejection of zoo-transplants. Objective: To evaluate a decellularization method to obtain tracheal extracellular matrixes in the porcine model. Materials and methods: Two study groups, treated and control, were obtained from 5 porcine tracheas. A chemical-enzymatic method for decellularization was used. Histological analyses were performed with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichromic stain and safranin O. Biomechanical properties of both groups were evaluated by determining the Young modulus, maximum strength and deformation rate. Results: Compared to the controls, there was a 66 % decrease in the cell content in the treated specimens. Collagen was preserved and a reduction of glycosaminoglycans was detected. Biomechanical tests revealed a significant difference in the percentage of deformation, with no alteration of the remaining parameters. Conclusions: The evaluated decellularization method proved to be efficient to reduce the cellular content of porcine tracheas, with a considerable decrease in cost and production time. These advantages could make it a good option for the socio-economic Colombian conditions.