Human Flexor Tendon Tissue Engineering: Decellularization of Human Flexor Tendons Reduces Immunogenicity <i>In Vivo</i>

Abstract

Human flexor tendons that were decellularized with SDS, EDTA, and PAA resulted in removal of cellular antigens and a decreased immune response when placed into Wistar rats. These grafts showed better mechanical properties at 2 and 4 weeks when compared with control tendons. Decellularization is an important step toward the use of tissue engineered flexor tendons in upper extremity reconstruction.