Decellularization of Intact Lung Tissue Through Vasculature and Airways Using Negative and Positive Pressure

Abstract

Decellularization allows the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds. Here we describe the use of combined positive pressure and negative pressure to drive decellularization reagents into the vasculature and airways, respectively, of structurally intact lungs in order to remove cells and cellular material leaving an intact ECM scaffold.

Bioengineering lungs: An overview of current methods, requirements, and challenges for constructing scaffolds

“…A recent study by Skolasinski and Panoskaltsis-Mortari suggests leaving the vasculature intact while only decellularizing the airway epithelium can benefit in preserving some architecture and ECM components ( Skolasinski and Panoskaltsis-Mortari, 2018 ; Wanczyk et al, 2021 ). Additionally, Obata et al used natural soap, potassium laurate, as a decellularization detergent that was found to be less abrasive and showed to be effective in removing cellular components and cells while preserving the 3D lung architecture better ( Obata et al, 2019 ).…”

Advances in bioreactors for lung bioengineering: From scalable cell culture to tissue growth monitoring

“…Regarding decellularization or recellularization processes, a bioreactor system should provide independent access to the vascular and airway compartments of the lungs to facilitate the decellularization process and also to provide seeding of multiple cell types, nutrient transfer to the cells and tissue, and waste removal during recellularization (Skolasinski & Panoskaltsis‐Mortari, 2018; Uhl et al, 2017; Urbano et al, 2017). Also, bioreactor systems ideally need to be automatic and include sensors to measure, control, and regulate the temperature, flow rate, and pressure of the perfusion using valves and pumps (Price et al, 2015).…”