Biocompatibility of acellular human pericardium.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown successful decellularization of human pericardium without affecting the major structural components and strength of the matrix. The aim of this study was to assess the biocompatibility and reseeding potential of the acellular human pericardial scaffold.


METHODS
Pericardia were treated sequentially with hypotonic buffer, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and a nuclease solution. The presence of cellular attachment factors after decellularization was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The scaffold was seeded with dermal fibroblasts and cellular attachment to and numbers of cells penetrating were assessed over time. Biocompatibility was also evaluated following subcutaneous implantation into a mouse model for three months.


RESULTS
After decellularization, the scaffold stained positively for fibronectin, but collagen IV and laminin staining was reduced. Seeded fibroblasts attached to the mesothelial surface and were visualized in the tissue within a week of seeding. The majority of fibroblasts in the tissue were viable and there was evidence of remodeling of the matrix. Analysis of the explanted tissues from mice showed that fresh/frozen and glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardia were encapsulated with a thick layer of inflammatory cells and fibrous tissue. In contrast, the decellularized scaffold was infiltrated with myofibroblasts, CD34+ cells and macrophages, indicating a healthy repair process. Compared with the glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue, the calcium content of the fresh/frozen and decellularized pericardia was negligible.


CONCLUSIONS
The pericardial scaffold was biocompatible in vitro and in the mouse model in vivo.
Mirsadraee
Saeed
S
The Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. smirsadraee@gmail.com
Wilcox
Helen E
HE
Watterson
Kevin G
KG
Kearney
John N
JN
Hunt
John
J
Fisher
John
J
Ingham
Eileen
E
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism; D020405:Dermis / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007797:Laminin / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D023421:Models, Animal; D010496:Pericardium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D024141:Collagen Type IV; D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin; D014746:Vimentin; D002118:Calcium