Evaluating the Biocompatibility of Decellularized Pancreas and Its Histological Features as a Support Structure for Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture

Abstract

Background: Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary topic that involves the development of biological implants for tissue regeneration intending to improve or enhance tissue or organ function. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical and histological properties of decellularized rat pancreas scaffolds, as well as to investigate the viability of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the said scaffold for use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Methods: This is an experimental study that was performed in the research laboratory of Mohaghegh Ardabili University. To prepare the scaffold, male Wistar rats were anesthetized with carbon dioxide. After dissecting the mice, their pancreases were isolated and immediately transferred to a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution to prepare them for decellularization. The decellularized scaffolds were evaluated histologically and mechanically. After decellularization, lipid MSCs were injected into de-cell scaffolds in the third passage. Results: Examination of the results of histological evaluations showed that scaffolding was completely decellularized. These results were confirmed by Mason trichrome and Dapi staining (coloring). Specialized tissue assessments by electron microscopy showed that the collagen and elastin strands were relatively conserved in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Conclusions: In general, the result of this research demonstrates the successful decellularization of pancreatic tissue, effective preservation of the ECM of the desired tissue, and the viability of the MSCs on the scaffold resulting from the decellularization of the tissue.