DSC and histological analysis of decellularized porcine biograft

Abstract

Different types of biological grafts are useful for the replacement of infected prostheses in vascular surgery. In cases, when autologous grafts or homografts are not available, xenografts can be an alternative choice. To reduce immunogenicity, decellularization of the xenogeneic graft is necessary. Our goal was to determine the long-lasting stability of our decellularized porcine vascular grafts, in the mirror of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and routine histological examination. In the first experiment, light and electron microscopic confirmation of adequate decellularization of our used protocol was assessed. In the second series, DSC measurements were performed both on native and on treated samples; thereafter, histological evaluation of the analyzed samples was performed. Light and electron microscopy evaluation showed complete removal of cells and preserved connective tissue fiber structure after decellularization in the first series. In the second part of our investigation, DSC measurements demonstrated reversible change in the structure of elastic fibers and irreversible change in the structure of collagen fiber structure supported by histological findings. Our examination strengthens the earlier observations that decellularized biological grafts can tend to late aneurysmatic degeneration, due to their weakened fiber structure, besides the known immunological circumstances.