ABC | Volume 113, Nº1, July 2019

Original Article Wollmann et al Characterization of decellularized pericardium Arq Bras Cardiol. 2019; 113(1):11-17 In the histological analysis, this study revealed that most cellular components were removed, but some components of the extracellular matrix were reduced and the decellularized tissue thickness increased. Similar findings were reported by Courtman et al. 22 with a 3-fold increase in tissue thickness. However, Mirsadraee et al. 23 did not observe any significant changes using an SDS-based decellularization protocol in the histological analysis comparing both fresh and decellularized human pericardium. In this study, decellularized human pericardium got a small increase in the collagen content and a significant reduction in sGAG content. In agreement with our observation, Mendoza‑Novelo et al. 24 reported a reduction in fresh pericardium tissue sGAG content after decellularization with surfactant tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate and reversible alkaline swelling. 24 On the other hand, a study by Mirsadraee et al. 23 reported a small increase in hydroxyproline and GAG content in the tissue after decellularization. 23 The authors concluded that increase of hydroxyproline was due to a relative increase in the ratio of these molecules regarding total dry weight, due to the loss of soluble proteins and cell components. In order to ensure adequate residual removal, contact cytotoxicity assays were performed to determine the effect of any chemical residuals in the decellularized tissue on the growth of cultured L929 cells. Assay results showed that cells grew well in contact with samples of decellularized human pericardium, indicating that the decellularized tissues were non-toxic. This result also correlates with previous study on decellularized human pericardium. 23 We compared the mechanical properties of fresh and decellularized pericardium and there were no significant differences between them. SDS-based decellularization by itself does not modify the performance of human pericardium as for the parameters of tensile strength, elongation and elastic modulus. These results were previously assessed in the acellular human pericardium. 23 In amore recent work, the biomechanical properties of decellularized and cryopreserved human pericardium were preserved in comparison with fresh tissue. 25 Nevertheless, this study did not evaluate the outcome of implanted human decellularized pericardium. In vitro analysis is not enough to confirm complete decellularization. The maintenance of extracellular matrix in this study does not allow to determine that all molecular and physiological properties are really ideal. Conclusion The decellularization process reduces cell content as well as extracellular matrix components and increases thickness without changing the biomechanical properties of the decellularized tissue compared with the fresh one. Decellularized human pericardium may be a suitable candidate for the production of extracellular matrix-derived scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Author contributions Conception and design of the research: Wollmann L, Suss P; Acquisition of data: Wollmann L, Suss P, Mendonça J, Luzia C, Schittini A, Rosa GWX; Analysis and interpretation of the data: Luzia C, Tuon FF; Statistical analysis and Critical revision of the manuscript for intellectual content: Tuon FF; Obtaining financing: Costa F; Writing of the manuscript: Suss P, Tuon FF. Potential Conflict of Interest No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Sources of Funding This study was funded by Fundo Nacional de Saúde - Ministério da Saúde – projeto nº 814611/2014. Study Association This study is not associatedwith any thesis or dissertationwork. Ethics approval and consent to participate This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. 1. Lu H, Hoshiba T, Kawazoe N, Chen G. Autologous extracellular matrix scaffolds for tissue engineering. Biomaterials. 2011;32(10):2489-99. 2. Crapo PM, Gilbert TW, Badylak SF. An overview of tissue and whole organ decellularization processes. Biomaterials. 2011;32(12):3233-43. 3. PlattJ,DiSesaV,GailD,Massicot-FisherJ,NationalHeartL,BloodInstituteH,et al.RecommendationsoftheNationalHeart,Lung,andBloodInstituteHeartand Lung XenotransplantationWorking Group. Circulation. 2002;106(9):1043-7. 4. Hellstrom WJ, Reddy S. Application of pericardial graft in the surgical management of Peyronie’s disease. J Urol. 2000;163(5):1445-7. 5. Yoo C, Kang SY, EomYS, KimHM. Temporary Repair of Corneal Perforation Tutoplast((R))-Processed Pericardium Graft. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2010 Mar:1-3. 6. Yoo C, Kwon SW, KimYY. Pericardiumplug in the repair of the corneoscleral fistula after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve explantation. Korean J Ophthalmol. 2008;22(4):268-71. 7. Weissgold DJ, Millay RH, Bochow TA. Rescue of exposed scleral buckles with cadaveric pericardial patch grafts. Ophthalmology. 2001;108(4):753-8. 8. Seider N, Beiran I, Kaltreider SA. One medial triangular Tutoplast sling as a frontalis suspension for adult myogenic blepharoptosis. Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2006;84(1):121-3. 9. Evans CF, DeFilippi CR, Shang E, Griffith BP, Gammie JS. Fresh autologous pericardium for leaflet perforation repair in mitral valve infective endocarditis. J Heart Valve Dis. 2013;22(4):560-6. References 16