Non-human primate oesophagus decellularization
Transplantation is an effective treatment option for patients suffering from different end-stage diseases; however it is associated with a constant shortage of donor organs and lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Obtainment of tissuengineered scaffolds using decellularization with the following recellularization may become an alternative treatment option due to restoration, replacement and regeneration of damaged cells, tissues and organs. The main objective of this research is obtainment of decellularized esophagus matrices in non-human primate models followed by pathomorphological evaluation. A modified detergent-enzymatic method involving sodium deoxycholate and DNAse was used for esophagus decellularization. The conducted morphological investigation proved preservation of tissue architectonics as well as absence of cells and nuclear material. Evaluation of biomechanical properties of the scaffold revealed similar mechanical strength characteristics in native and decellularized samples; however, rupturing deformation was higher. The obtained results allow continuing research on the possibility of using decellularized esophagus matrix in non-human primate models for recellularization with the following differentiation, revascularization and reinnervation for hetero- and orthotopic transplantations.