The Effect of Sterilization on the Bovine Pericardium Scaffold Decellularized By the Glutaraldehyde-Free Technology

The use of xenotissue for the needs of regenerative and cardiovasculare medicine is a promising area of tissue engineering. The decellularization process provides complete purification of the elastin-collagen matrix of the bovine pericardium from cells and their components. The use of high concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate and glutaraldehyde can lead to a damage of the extracellular matrix. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to study the microarchitectonics of the decellularized matrix using a low concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1% solution) and avoiding glutaraldehyde. Further stabilization and fixation of the matrix was carried out using 10 mM 1-Ethyl-3 (3dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and 10 mM N-Hydroxysuccinimide. The effect of decellularization was assessed by staining the samples with hematoxylin-eosin and by scanning electron microscopy. Also the research results confirmed the absence of structural changes in the collagenelastin fibers of the matrix after sterilization dose of 10 kGy. Thus, it can be assumed that the radiation method of sterilization may be safe in use for sterilization of bioimplants.