Perfusion Decellularization
The most widely recognized method of removing cells in use today is “immersion decellularization” in which a tissue or organ is soaked in strong detergent which diffuses from the outer surface inward, and then back out once the cells are dissolved. Immersion decellularization is limited to a few millimeters and not feasible for a whole organ.
Miromatrix’ perfusion decellularization technology overcomes the hurdles of immersion decellularization by facilitating rapid access to the whole organ through the native vasculature by cannulating the vasculature and perfusing a mild detergent solution through the native blood vessels. Because organs are dense with vascular capillaries, most cells are located in close proximity to a capillary, resulting in an exponential increase in the effective surface area of the detergent and decreased time to dissolve the cellular material as it is expelled through the venous system.
The end result is a completely preserved native scaffold containing the appropriate microenvironment required for the introduction of organ-specific cells, along with an intact vascular network to reconnect to the patient’s blood supply and outer capsule capable of maintaining physiological pressures. These components are critical for the later use of the Miromatrix recellularization technology.
Perfusion recellularizing an organ is the next step in whole organ development. Click here to learn more about perfusion recellularization.