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Toward acellular xenogeneic heart valve prostheses: Histological and biomechanical characterization of decellularized and enzymatically deglycosylated porcine pulmonary heart valve matrices
Author(s) -
Findeisen Katja,
Morticelli Lucrezia,
Goecke Tobias,
Kolbeck Louisa,
Ramm Robert,
Höffler HansKlaus,
Brandes Gudrun,
Korossis Sotirios,
Haverich Axel,
Hilfiker Andres
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
xenotransplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1399-3089
pISSN - 0908-665X
DOI - 10.1111/xen.12617
Subject(s) - decellularization , chemistry , heart valve , immunogenicity , biomedical engineering , biochemistry , extracellular matrix , medicine , surgery , immunology , immune system
The use of decellularized xenogeneic heart valves might offer a solution to overcome the issue of human valve shortage. The aim of this study was to revise decellularization protocols in combination with enzymatic deglycosylation, in order to reduce the immunogenicity of porcine pulmonary heart valves, in means of cells, carbohydrates, and, primarily, Galα1‐3Gal (α‐Gal) epitope removal. In particular, the valves were decellularized with sodium dodecylsulfate/sodium deoxycholate (SDS/SD), Triton X‐100 + SDS (Tx + SDS), or Trypsin + Triton X‐100 (Tryp + Tx) followed by enzymatic digestion with PNGaseF, Endoglycosidase H, or O‐glycosidase combined with Neuraminidase. Results showed that decellularization alone reduced carbohydrate structures only to a limited extent, and it did not result in an α‐Gal free scaffold. Nevertheless, decellularization with Tryp + Tx represented the most effective decellularization protocol in means of carbohydrates reduction. Overall, carbohydrates and α‐Gal removal could strongly be improved by applying PNGaseF, in particular in combination with Tryp + Tx treatment, contrary to Endoglycosidase H and O‐glycosidase treatments. Furthermore, decellularization with PNGaseF did not affect biomechanical stability, in comparison with decellularization alone, as shown by burst pressure and uniaxial tensile tests. In conclusion, valves decellularized with Tryp + Tx and PNGaseF resulted in prostheses with potentially reduced immunogenicity and maintained mechanical stability.