Decellularization compromises mechanical and structural properties of the native trachea

•Any decellularization impairs tracheal cartilage, trachealis, and connective tissue.•Treatment causes loss of Coll-II and GAGs, leading to collapse of cartilage rings.•Coll-III is lost with any treatment whereas Col-I becomes disorganized and degrades.•Trachealis muscle becomes more compliant with loss of contractile SMCs.•Axial mechanics are governed by collagen structure and longitudinal elastin fibers.