Region-Specific Decellularization of Porcine Uterine Tube Extracellular Matrix: A New Approach for Reproductive Tissue-Engineering Applications

• Published in: Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 9; no. 7; p. 382
• Main Authors: Almeida, Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues, da Silva, Raquel Souza, Gibin, Mariana Sversut, Gonzaga, Victória Hellen de Souza, Dos Santos, Henrique, Igleisa, Rebeca Piatniczka, Fernandes, Leticia Alves, Fernandes, Iorrane Couto, Nesiyama, Thais Naomi Gonçalves, Sato, Francielle, Baesso, Mauro Luciano, Hernandes, Luzmarina, Rinaldi, Jaqueline de Carvalho, Meirelles, Flávio Vieira, Astolfi-Ferreira, Claudete S, Ferreira, Antonio José Piantino, Carreira, Ana Claudia Oliveira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Analysis; Biological products; biomaterial; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Cell culture; Cell viability; Collagen; decellularization; DNA structure; Embryonic development; Embryos; Endometrium; Evaluation; Extracellular matrix; Females; In vitro fertilization; Microenvironments; Polyethylene glycol; Raman spectroscopy; reproduction; Reproductive organs, Female; Reproductive technologies; Success; Swine; uterine tube; Uterus; Brazil; United States > US; uterine tube; decellularization; biomaterial; extracellular matrix; reproduction
• ISSN: 2313-7673; 2313-7673
• DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070382

The uterine tube extracellular matrix is a key component that regulates tubal tissue physiology, and it has a region-specific structural distribution, which is directly associated to its functions. Considering this, the application of biological matrices in culture systems is an interesting strategy to develop biomimetic tubal microenvironments and enhance their complexity. However, there are no established protocols to produce tubal biological matrices that consider the organ morphophysiology for such applications. Therefore, this study aimed to establish region-specific protocols to obtain decellularized scaffolds derived from porcine infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus to provide suitable sources of biomaterials for tissue-engineering approaches. Porcine uterine tubes were decellularized in solutions of 0.1% SDS and 0.5% Triton X-100. The decellularization efficiency was evaluated by DAPI staining and DNA quantification. We analyzed the ECM composition and structure by optical and scanning electronic microscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. DNA and DAPI assays validated the decellularization, presenting a significative reduction in cellular content. Structural and spectroscopy analyses revealed that the produced scaffolds remained well structured and with the ECM composition preserved. YS and HEK293 cells were used to attest cytocompatibility, allowing high cell viability rates and successful interaction with the scaffolds. These results suggest that such matrices are applicable for future biotechnological approaches in the reproductive field.