Effective decellularisation of human saphenous veins for biocompatible arterial tissue engineering applications: Bench optimisation and feasibility in vivo testing

Abstract

Human saphenous vein (hSV) and synthetic grafts are commonly used conduits in vascular grafting, despite high failure rates. Decellularising hSVs (D-hSVs) to produce vascular scaffolds might be an effective alternative. We assessed the effectiveness of a detergent-based method using 0% to 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) to decellularise hSV. Decellularisation effectiveness was measured in vitro by nuclear counting, DNA content, residual cell viability, extracellular matrix integrity and mechanical strength. Cytotoxicity was assessed on human and porcine cells. The most effective SDS concentration was used to prepare D-hSV grafts that underwent preliminary in vivo testing using a porcine carotid artery replacement model. Effective decellularisation was achieved with 0.01% SDS, and D-hSVs were biocompatible after seeding. In vivo xeno-transplantation confirmed excellent mechanical strength and biocompatibility with recruitment of host cells without mechanical failure, and a 50% patency rate at 4-weeks. We have developed a simple biocompatible methodology to effectively decellularise hSVs. This could enhance vascular tissue engineering toward future clinical applications.

A novel small diameter nanotextile arterial graft is associated with surgical feasibility and safety and increased transmural endothelial ingrowth in pig

“…60 kg) receiving daily aspirin (300 mg) with food. The procedure was in line with established approaches by our group [ 20 ]. General anaesthesia was achieved with IV 0.2 mg/kg morphine and Propofol.…”

Development and Preliminary Testing of Porcine Blood-Derived Endothelial-like Cells for Vascular Tissue Engineering Applications: Protocol Optimisation and Seeding of Decellularised Human Saphenous Veins

“…Being able to isolate ELC from pigs could be of great research value for future studies testing the seeding potential of these cells on human decellularised venous grafts, or indeed on other bioengineered vascular conduits ex vivo or in porcine models without the need for immunosuppression [ 56 ]. Ultimately, this approach could lead to studies in patients aimed at using patients’ own blood to isolate ELCs for seeding onto their own decellularised vein or on bioengineered vascular scaffolds before surgical implantation.…”

“…Tissue was obtained in accordance with ethical approval from the local committee (REC reference number: 10/H0107/63). hSVs were decellularised as previously described [ 56 ] in 0.01% ( w / v ) Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate on a roller at 60 rpm for 24 h, followed by two washes in DPBS. D-hSVs were then stored in DPBS at 4 °C until use.…”

Self-organization of Long-lasting Human Endothelial Capillary Networks guided by DLP Bioprinting

“…For several years, many vascular tissue engineering strategies have been developed with the purpose of rebuilding or establishing a functional vascular system within an engineered tissue 2 . In this regard, the decellularization of donor arteries or veins is highly valued for its ability to generate acellular scaffolds from native tissue, which may optionally be recellularized prior to implantation 3,4 . However, the need to find a suitable donor limits its use.…”