Novel method of preparing acellular cardiovascular grafts by decellularization with poly(ethylene glycol)

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2003 Dec 1;67(3):834-7. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.10097.

Abstract

We have developed a new method of preparing acellular vascular grafts. Cellular components, including cell membranes and proteins in cytosol, were efficiently extracted from the vessels in a concentrated aqueous solution of poly(ethylene glycol), an amphiphilic biocompatible polymer. The residual DNA was digested by deoxyribonuclease I treatment after extraction with poly(ethylene glycol). The two-step extraction process proved quite effective at removing the cellular components while causing little damage to the extracellular matrices. We did not use any detergent that would damage the extracellular matrices. Therefore, vascular endothelial cells grew well on the acellular vessels after recellularization, promising longi-patent cardiovascular grafts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bioprosthesis*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Carotid Arteries / cytology
  • Carotid Arteries / transplantation*
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Extracts
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Deoxyribonuclease I / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Cell Extracts
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • DNA
  • Deoxyribonuclease I