Development of a pericardial acellular matrix biomaterial: Biochemical and mechanical effects of cell extraction

TLDR

Cellular components in homografts and bioprosthetic xenografts can contribute to calcification or immunogenic reactions. The authors developed a four‑step detergent and enzymatic extraction protocol to remove cellular components from bovine pericardial tissue. The resulting acellular matrix retains elastin, insoluble collagen, and glycosaminoglycans, preserves ultrastructure and mechanical properties, and shows that crosslinking with glutaraldehyde or poly(glycidyl ether) yields comparable mechanical changes, making it a promising material for heart valve or cardiovascular patch applications. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract There is evidence to suggest that the cellular components of homografts and bioprosthetic xenografts may contribute to calcification or immunogenic reactions. A fourstep detergent and enzymatic extraction process has been developed to remove cellular components from bovine pericardial tissue. The process results in an acellular matrix material consisting primarily of elastin, insoluble collagen, and tightly bound glycosaminoglycans. Light and electron microscopy confirmed that nearly all cellular constituents are removed without ultrastructural evidence of damage to fibrous components. Collagen denaturation temperatures remained unaltered. Biochemical analysis confirmed the retention of collagen and elastin and some differential extraction of glycosaminoglycans. Low strain rate fracture testing and high strain rate viscoelastic characterization showed that, with the exception of slightly increased stress relaxation, the mechanical properties of the fresh tissue were preserved in the pericardial acellular matrix. Crosslinking of the material in glutaraldehyde or poly(glycidyl ether) produced mechanical changes consistent with the same treatments of fresh tissue. The pericardial acellular matrix is a promising approach to the production of biomaterials for heart valve or cardiovascular patching applications. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.