Liver Tissue Decellularization as a Promising Porous Scaffold Processing Technology for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

The aim of the investigation was to study mechanical and biological properties of decellularized liver tissue when used as a porous matrix in regenerative medicine.

Materials and Methods. Three groups of liver samples were prepared by decellularization using a perfusion solution with different concentrations of Triton X-100. The vascular network was visualized by perfusion of 0.5% blue dextran solution. We used histological tissue staining, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Human hepatocarcinoma cell line Hep-G₂ was used to assess the proliferative cell activity on the obtained matrix.

Results. Decellularized rat liver was prepared by perfusion of sodium phosphate buffer via the portal vein, the buffer containing the following detergents: Triton X-100 of different concentrations and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Decellularization of whole organ does not lead to changes in the specific structure of the tissue scaffold, the vascular network also does not damaged. Decellularized liver with 3% Triton X-100 solution has the highest tensile strength and elasticity. Microparticles with a mean size 200 μm were prepared from decellularized liver matrix. There was investigated cell compatibility for hepatoblastoma cell line Hep-G₂. The cell compatibility was significantly higher on microparticles from decellularized liver scaffold with 3% Triton X-100 solution.

Сonclusion. Decellullarization-produced liver matrix was found to preserve the native three-dimensional structure of liver tissue and vascular network. Decellularized matrix is biocompatible. It maintains the adhesion and proliferation of human hepatocarcinoma cell line Hep-G₂ and has mechanical properties appropriate for surgery.

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Bobrova M.M., Safonova L.А., Agapova О.I., Krasheninnikov M.E., Shagidulin M.Yu., Agapov I.I. Liver Tissue Decellularization as a Promising Porous Scaffold Processing Technology for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Sovremennye tehnologii v medicine 2015; 7(4): 6, https://doi.org/10.17691/stm2015.7.4.01