Effect of sonication power on perfusion decellularization of cadaveric porcine kidney

Abstract

Kidney problems rank 7th among the top 10 causes of mortality among Filipinos. One of the potential future treatment options is the use of bioengineered kidney. The preparation of scaffolds is the first step in kidney bioengineering and perfusion decellularization using chemicals is considered the most preferred preparation method to date. However, the use of chemicals alone requires long treatment time hence, in this study perfusion decellularization is to be enhanced by sonication treatment at varying sonication power. Decellularization was carried out by perfusing the kidney with 1% SDS and was subjected to sonication treatment with a 2h sonication and 2h rest cycle. The cycle is repeated until the kidney is clear and transparent. Washing using 1% Triton X-100 and 1x PBS then follows to remove residual SDS. The extent of cell removal was determined by H&E staining. The results showed that decellularization with sonication using 150W, 200W and 250W required a treatment time of 24h, 16h and 12h respectively compared to the 28h treatment time of decellularization without sonication. The result clearly shows that with higher sonication power, the shorter is the decellularization time needed to prepare a good kidney scaffold.