Background Decellularization methods using anionic detergents have been applied to engineered tissues for eliminating tissue immunogenicity. Sodium deoxycholate is a water soluble ionic detergent commonly used in applications ranging from decellularisation, liposome preparation and isolation of membrane proteins and lipids. Sodium deoxycholate has been reported to form many reactive intermediates which bind to tissue and exert toxic effects. Methods This work reports on methods to detect and estimate residual sodium deoxycholate in decellularized saphenous vein. The method reported is based on the extraction of anionic detergent (sodium deoxycholate)-Methylene blue complex in chloroform which can be subsequently quantified by measuring the optical density at 653 nm. Results and conclusion This assay may be used for detecting sodium deoxycholate levels in decellularized tissue before implantation.

Crosslinking after decellularization by the dye-mediated photooxidation method could be reproduced in any human vein to obtain a small-diameter vascular grafts.

In 1986, the European Society of Biomaterials Consensus Conference gave a simplified definition of biomaterials as “a non-viable material used in a medical device intended to interact with biological systems”. This seems to be more appropriate when we look into the versatility of applications of biomaterials in the health sector, especially in cardiovascular practice. This field has expanded exponentially in every direction, with multifunctional capability. Heart valves have undergone an evolution in biomaterials and design. Patches and conduits have been developed to correct anatomical deficits, and solutions have been found for narrowing or ballooning of the arteries. Research is ongoing to find replacements for every part of this system by creating replicas made of various materials. To investigate problems pertaining to the cardiovascular system, catheters have undergone an astounding leap in material optimization. In these three sectors, the trends, successes, and failures are worth discussing. This review mainly focuses on the types of biomaterial used for making cardiovascular devices and their advantages and limitations.

Several options are available for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction, including commercially available bovine jugular vein and cryo-preserved homografts. Homograft non-availability and the problems of commercially available conduits led us to develop indigenously processed bovine jugular vein conduits with competent valves. They were made completely acellular and strengthened by non-conventional cross-linking without disturbing the extracellular matrix, which improved the luminal surface characteristics for hemocompatibility. Biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, along with thermal stability, matrix stability, and mechanical strength have been evaluated. Sixty-nine patients received these conduits for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Seven conduits dilated and 4 required replacement. To counteract dilatation, biodegradable polymeric nanofibers in various combinations and in isolation (collagen, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid) were characterized and used to reinforce the conduit circumferentially. Physical validation by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, and in-vitro cytotoxicity was conducted. Thermal stability, spectroscopy studies of the polymer, and preclinical studies of the coated bovine jugular vein in animals are in progress. The feasibility studies have been completed, and the final polymer selection depends on evaluation of the functional superiority of the coated bovine jugular vein.

Background In cardiovascular surgical practice, there is requisite for conduits and patches both in congenital and acquired heart diseases.