Effects of various decellularization methods on histological and biomechanical properties of rabbit tendons

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of various decellularization methods on the histological and biomechanical properties of rabbit tendons. In total, six chemical reagents, including 1% t-octyl-phenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton-X 100), 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1% tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP), 1% Triton-X 100 + 0.5% SDS, 1% TnBP + 0.5% SDS and 1% TnBP + 1% Triton-X 100, were used on rabbit semitendinosus muscles and flexor digitorum tendons for 24 h to remove cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied for histological observation, while tension testing was used for biomechanical studies. The effects of the various decellularization methods on the histological structure and biomechanical properties of rabbit tendons were evaluated. A group of fresh tendons treated with phosphate-buffered saline served as controls. The various decellularization methods resulted in different effects on the tendons. All the treatment groups exhibited a decrease in tendon biomechanical properties, but no statistically significant differences were observed among the experimental groups. The extensibility of the 1% TnBP-treated group was found to be greater than that of the other groups; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Histologically, the 1% TnBP + 0.5% SDS treatment was shown to have the least impact on the rabbit tendon structure, with good decellularization and no clear cellular remnants observed. The 1% Triton-X 100 + 0.5% SDS treatment had a pronounced effect on the tendon collagen structure and a number of collagen ruptures were observed. Overall, 1% TnBP + 0.5% SDS was found to be the most effective compared with the other treatments, as this treatment preserved the tendon collagen structure while completely removing the cells. Tendons treated with 1% TnBP + 0.5% SDS were histologically similar to normal tendon tissue and biomechanically similar to the tendons in the control group.

Decellularized human placenta chorion matrix as a favorable source of small-diameter vascular grafts

“…The decellularization process, in general a combination of mechanical, chemical and enzymatic approaches, has to be accompanied by adequate analytics [17,18] to guarantee the effectiveness of the process and thus the characteristics of the final structure. Consequently, the removal of cells and cellular debris and the conservation of the decellularized tissue matrix in terms of composition and ultrastructure, were evaluated by histology, scanning electron microscopy analysis and an array of biochemical quantification methods.…”

Efficient decellularization of equine tendon with preserved biomechanical properties and cytocompatibility for human tendon surgery indications

“…[4][5][6][7] Several studies of commercially available tendon grafts have reported their biological characteristics and clinical efficacy, but tendon matrices specifically designed for hand tendons are currently unavailable. 6,[8][9][10] The use of animal tendon as a source material for this purpose could lead to an ideal matrix with better overall mechanical properties, and strategies have been tested to process tendon of various species, including rat, 11 porcine, 12,13 canine, rabbit, 14,15 and equine. 16,17 The equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) presents a potential realistic source for human tendon grafting due to its large dimensions, availability in large quantities, and traceability through accredited food industries.…”

Exploiting crosslinked decellularized matrix to achieve uterus regeneration and construction

“…The decellularization process is aiming to remove almost all of the cellular components that might induce immunogenicity but preserving the structural and biochemical properties. Recently reported methods to make decellularize tissues are more likely to combine the physical, chemical or enzymatic strategies to achieve higher quality dECM scaffold/ biomaterials [11,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. We have previously prepared decellularized brain matrix by agitation in the following decellularization baths and completely removed the cellular components with entire brain structure [27,28].…”