A pilot study for decellularizing human and porcine cornea for future use in corneal regeneration

Abstract

Purpose: To effectively decellularize human and porcine corneas for future use in corneal regeneration by using an already established decellularization technique being efficient in decellularizing blood vessels.Methods: One human and 4 porcine corneas were decellularized by using various washing steps with 3‐[(3‐cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate (CHAPS) detergent, Benzonase, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 5% Dextran or 5% D‐Mannitol. The quality of the decellularization process was assessed by quantitative and qualitative measurement of DNA content, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), immunofluorescent staining for Collagen I, V and keratocan, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to observe the structure of the collagen fibrils was used.Results: The decellularization process showed 99,94% and 99,52% DNA content reduction in the human and porcine corneas when using Dextran, respectively, while more DNA remained in the porcine corneas when D‐Mannitol was used. Similar pattern was observed in the preservation of GAGs, with the highest amount being found in the human cornea, and less in the porcine corneas. H&E and Immunofluorescent staining showed no presence of cell nuclei when compared to the control native corneas, while Alcian blue staining qualitatively confirmed the presence of GAGs. Collagen I, V and keratocan were still present in the decellularized corneas when compared to the native ones, while TEM microscopy further confirmed the similar patterns of the collagen fibrils in the decellularized‐, compared to the native‐ corneas.Conclusions: This pilot study showed that our decellularization method is effective in decellularizing human and porcine corneas, with very high amount of DNA being removed from the corneas, while the GAGs were preserved to an acceptable extent, and the structure and pattern of the collagen fibrils maintained.