Detergent-based decellularization strategy preserves macro- and microstructure of heart valves.

Objectives: Biological tissue has great potential to function as bioprostheses in patients for heart valve replacement. As these matrices are mainly xenogenic, the immunogenicity needs to be reduced by decellularization steps. Reseeding of bioscaffolds has tremendous potential to prevent calcification upon implantation, so intact microstructure of the material is mandatory.