Bioreactor-Based De-epithelialization of Long-Segment Tracheal Grafts

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2436:167-182. doi: 10.1007/7651_2021_431.

Abstract

Tissue engineering techniques to generate a graft ex vivo is an exciting field of research. In particular, the use of biological scaffolds has shown to be promising in a clinical setting. In this approach, decellularized donor scaffolds are obtained following detergent-based enzymatic treatment to remove donor cells and subsequently repopulated with recipient specific cells. Herein, we describe our bioreactor-based partial decellularization approach to generate hybrid tracheal grafts. Using a short detergent-based treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we remove the epithelium and maintain the structural integrity of the donor grafts by keeping the cartilage alive. The following will be a step-by-step description of the bioreactor system setup and partial decellularization protocol to obtain a de-epithelialized tracheal graft.

Keywords: Biological scaffolds; Double-chamber perfusion bioreactor; Partial decellularization; Tissue engineering; Tracheal de-epithelialization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors
  • Cartilage
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Trachea