Biomimetics (Jun 2024)

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

  • Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida,
  • Raquel Souza da Silva,
  • Mariana Sversut Gibin,
  • Victória Hellen de Souza Gonzaga,
  • Henrique dos Santos,
  • Rebeca Piatniczka Igleisa,
  • Leticia Alves Fernandes,
  • Iorrane Couto Fernandes,
  • Thais Naomi Gonçalves Nesiyama,
  • Francielle Sato,
  • Mauro Luciano Baesso,
  • Luzmarina Hernandes,
  • Jaqueline de Carvalho Rinaldi,
  • Flávio Vieira Meirelles,
  • Claudete S. Astolfi-Ferreira,
  • Antonio José Piantino Ferreira,
  • Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070382
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 7
p. 382

Abstract

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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.

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