Optimization of Physicochemical Protocol for Decellularization of Porcine Tracheas

• Grant number: 25/05447-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Aristides Tadeu Correia
• Grantee: Sabrina da Silva de Morais
• Host Institution: Instituto do Coração Professor Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini (INCOR). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Optimization of the Physicochemical Protocol for Decellularization of Porcine TracheasTracheal stenosis requires tracheal resection with restoration of continuity through primary anastomosis for definitive treatment. However, long lesions require tracheal replacement, for which there are few options available. In this context, the use of tissue engineering techniques has become a promising alternative with the use of decellularized extracellular matrix (EM) scaffold obtained from a donor. Decellularization techniques include physical and chemical processes using detergents such as sodium deoxycholate (SD). The combination of these processes can enable complete decellularization of the tissue, making it non-immunogenic. For efficient decellularization, with the removal of all cells, mainly chondrocytes, weeks of exposure of the trachea to DS are necessary. However, this implies greater aggression to EM. Our hypothesis in this study is that the optimization of the decellularization protocol of porcine tracheas, with a shorter exposure time of the tracheas to DS, may result in a better quality ME, presenting better structural integrity and better biocompatibility. (AU)