From Cartilage to Matrix: Protocols for the Decellularization of Porcine Auricular Cartilage

• Autor(a) principal: dos Santos, Ana Caroline
• Data de Publicação: 2025
• Outros Autores: de Andrade, Livia Maria Barbosa, Candelária, Raí André Querino, de Carvalho, Juliana Casanovas, Valbão, Maria Carolina Miglino, Barreto, Rodrigo da Silva Nunes [UNESP], de Faria, Marcelo Domingues, Buchaim, Rogerio Leone, Buchaim, Daniela Vieira, Miglino, Maria Angelica
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da UNESP
• Texto Completo: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12010052; https://hdl.handle.net/11449/299775
• topic: biological scaffolds; cartilaginous tissue; collagen; enzymatic decellularization; extracellular matrix; recellularization; tissue engineering

The shortage of tissues and damaged organs led to the development of tissue engineering. Biological scaffolds, created from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of organs and tissues, have emerged as a promising solution for transplants. The ECM of decellularized auricular cartilage is a potential tool for producing ideal scaffolds for the recellularization and implantation of new tissue in damaged areas. In order to be classified as an ideal scaffold, it must be acellular, preserving its proteins and physical characteristics necessary for cell adhesion. This study aimed to develop a decellularization protocol for pig ear cartilage and evaluate the integrity of the ECM. Four tests were performed using different methods and protocols, with four pig ears from which the skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed, leaving only the cartilage. The most efficient protocol was the combination of trypsin with a sodium hydroxide solution (0.2 N) and SDS (1%) without altering the ECM conformation or the collagen architecture. In conclusion, it was observed that auricular cartilage is difficult to decellularize, influenced by material size, exposure time, and the composition of the solution. Freezing and thawing did not affect the procedure. The sample thickness significantly impacted the decellularization time.