Characterization and cytocompatibility assessment of caprine esophagus
scaffolds developed using fruit pericarp extract of Sapindus mukorossi
Abstract
Decellularized scaffolds are used for reconstruction of damaged tissues
and organs because they continue to have their natural three-dimensional
ECM framework and composition which is responsible for adhesion and
proliferation of cells. The main focus of this study was to explore the
decellularization property of soap nut pericarp extract (SPE), an herbal
detergent, for development of decellularized tubular esophageal scaffold
of caprine origin for clinical use and esophageal tissue engineering
research. For this 2.5, 5.0 and 10% concentrations of SPE were used for
decellularization of caprine esophageal tissues. Histological and
scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of tissue samples processed
in 5% SPE confirmed complete decellularization with preservation of
ECM’s microarchitecture and thus used for further characterization via
DNA quantification, SDS-PAGE, mechanical tensile testing, Fourier
Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and, cytocompatibility assay.
DAPI stained decellularized tissues revealed complete removal of nuclear
components, verified by measurement of DNA content and SDS-PAGE. Tensile
strength of the decellularized scaffolds decreased non-significantly (P
> 0.05) as compared to native tissues. Seeded scaffolds
showed growth and attachment of primary chicken embryo fibroblasts
(P-CEFs) over and within the decellularized scaffolds. It was concluded
that 5% SPE may replace the toxic biological detergents and other
chemicals used for preparation of biocompatible decellularized caprine
esophagus scaffolds.