Efficacy of a Sodium Hydroxide-based process for the decellularization of allogeneic and xenogeneic tissues in cardiovascular reconstruction

Current biological cardiovascular substitutes are hindered by inability to grow and rapid degeneration in the adult and even more faster in child. Tissue decellularization is a way to reduce host immune reaction and to avoid the need of cytotoxic glutaraldehyde that are both incriminated. Clinical results with decellularized prostheses are promising for some while poor results are associated with inadequate decellularization. No standard process exists. Our work aim was to test a sodium hydroxide-based process as a decellularization agent for xenogeneic and allogeneic patches, porcine vessel and porcine valve. We demonstrated the efficacy and superiority of the process in comparison to others. In in vivo studies, the processed tissues showed better biocompatibility and remodeling than currently used grafts. Our work suggests high hopes for cardiovascular tissue regeneration with our processed tissues and we have great confidence for future clinical translation.(MED - Sciences médicales) -- UCL, 201