ABSTRACT
Objective To remove cellular compenents from porcine aortic valve with different reagents, providing acellular tissue matrix(ACTM) scaffolds for tissue engineering of heart valve. Methods Different detergents (TritonX-100、Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium deoxycholate) and enzyme (trypsin) were used to remove cells and its, compenents from porcine aortic valves, respectively. According to the different detergents, specimens of porcine aortic valve were divided into three groups(Sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate, and Triton X-100). Specimens were observed grossly uncroscopically. Haematoxylin-eosin and DNA assay was performed to confirm the removal of cells. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the integrity of collagen and elastin. The changes of mechanical properties were also studied. Results The cells were removed effectively from cusps and roots of porcine aortic valves by Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate in 96 h. Sodium deoxycholate could not effectively remove the cells from the root of aortic valve. Treatment with SDS disrupted collagen fiber structure of porcine aortic valve, resulting in poor mechanical properties. Treatment with TritonX-100 result in an acellular porcine aortic valve matrix with retention of near normal structure and mechanical properties. Conclusion Porcine aortic valve can be successfully decellularised with retention of near normal structure and mechanical properties by Triton X-100.