Effects of cryopreservation, decellularization and novel extracellular matrix conditioning on the quasi-static and time-dependent properties of the pulmonary valve leaflet.

Decellularized allografts offer potential as heart valve substitutes and scaffolds for cell seeding. The effects of decellularization on the quasi-static and time-dependent mechanical behavior of the pulmonary valve leaflet under biaxial loading conditions have not previously been reported in the literature. In the current study, the stress-strain, relaxation and creep behaviors of the ovine pulmonary valve leaflet were investigated under planar-biaxial loading conditions to determine the effects of decellularization and a novel post-decellularization extracellular matrix (ECM) conditioning process.

Determining cell seeding dosages for tissue engineering human pulmonary valves.

Background: This study examines in vitro seeding of decellularized human pulmonary valves (hPVs) with human valve interstitial cells (hVICs) isolated from unrelated donor aortic valve leaflets. An assay was developed to assess seeding using precut uniform sized biopsies from whole hPVs for sequential evaluation of seeding efficiency, proliferation, and migration.

Materials And Methods: Scaffolds for seeding were created from decellularized hPVs using a reciprocating osmolality, double detergent, enzyme, multiple solvent protocol.