OPTIMIZED METHOD OF BOVINE PERICARDIUM DECELLULARIZATION FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING

The aim: To investigate the effectiveness of using low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cross-linking with EDC/NHS in the decellularization process to create a potential bioimplant for cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: Pericardial sacs were derived from 12-18 months bulls. Tissue decellularization was performed by using 0.1% SDS with the following EDC/NHS cross-linking. The experiment included standard histological, microscopic, molecular genetic and biomechanical methods. Scaffold was tested in vitro for cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Results: A high degree of extracellular decellularized matrix purification from cells and their components was shown. Structure-function properties remained similar to those or even improved after the decellularization. During prolonged contact of BP with human fibroblasts, no cytotoxic effect was observed. The biointegration of the scaffold in laboratory animals tissues was noted confirming the potential possibility of the implant use in cardiac surgery. Conclusions: Decellularization of BP by 0.1 % SDS with NHS/EDC cross-linking is promising in manufacturing of the tissue-engineered materials in cardiac surgery.