ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To test two decellularization procedures for their potential of cell removal and mormal matrix preservation. METHODS: Porcine aortic valve leaflets were treated with either 0.05% trypsin or 0.25% Triton-X 100 respertively for 48 h for decellularization and with fresh untreated valve leaflets as control. Two tissue samples from each group were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed light-microscopically followed by scanning electron microscopy. Ten valve leaflets in each group were measured for shrinkage temperature, tensile strength/fracture toughnes and percentage elongation. RESULTS: Trypsin and Triton-X 100 all achieved complete decellularization but Triton-X 100 caused stronger structural alterations. No significant difference was identified between untreated and trypsin groups in shrinkage temperature, tensile strength/fracture toughnes and percentage elongation, but Triton-X 100 group showed significant difference from the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Decellularization using trypsin is superior to Triton-X100 in efficiency and matrix preservation.