NMR assessment of Me(2)SO in decellularized cryopreserved aortic valve conduits.

Introduction: Decellularized cryopreserved allograft vascular tissue may provide a nonimmunogenic scaffold that is suitable for repopulation by cells from a variety of sources, conferring the potential for growth and repair. Although dimethyl sulfoxide (Me(2)SO) is generally regarded as a safe cryoprotectant, even low levels may alter function of repopulating cells. We investigated the residual concentration of Me(2)SO in the aqueous compartment of cryopreserved ovine aortic valve conduits following decellularization.