In vivo application of decellularized rat colon and evaluation of the engineered scaffolds following 9 months of follow‐up

The aim of this study was to investigate the rat small intestine mesentery and colon as natural bio‐reactors for rat colon‐derived scaffolds. We decellularized eight whole rat colons by a perfusion‐based protocol using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 24 hr. The provided bio‐scaffolds were examined by histological staining, scanning electron microscopy, and collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan quantification. Subsequently, we implanted 4 cm segments of the provided bio‐scaffolds into two groups of animal models comprising tissue grafting into the mesenteric tissue (n: 10) and end‐to‐end anastomosis (n: 10) to the colon of host rats. Following 9 months of follow‐up, we harvested the grafts and performed histological and immunohistochemical studies as well as real‐time PCR evaluation for telomerase activity of the samples. Histological staining, scanning electron microscopy and protein content evaluation of the acellular tissues confirmed the complete removal of the cellular components and preservation of the extracellular matrix. Histopathological assessment of the implanted scaffolds was suggestive of a regenerative process in both groups. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of the samples confirmed the presence of smooth muscle cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and neural elements in both groups of grafted scaffolds. Our data confirmed the recellularization of the acellular colon grafts in both groups after 9 months of follow up. Also, the implanted tissues demonstrated different characteristics based on their implantation location. The outcomes of this investigation illustrate the capability of acellular tissues for in vivo application and regeneration.