Histologic Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Bovine Pericardium Treated with Decellularization and -Galactosidase: A Comparative Study

Background: Bioprostheses for cardiovascular surgery have limitations in their use following as calicification. ${\alpha}$-galactosidase epitope is known as a stimulant of immune response and then shows a progressing calcification. The objective of this study was to evaluate histologic characteristics and mechanical properties of decellularization and treated with ${\alpha}$-galactosidase. Materials and Methods: Bovine pericardial tissues were allocated into three groups: fixation only with glutaraldehyde, decellularization with sodium dodesyl sulfate and decellularization plus treatment with ${\alpha}$-galactosidase. We confirmed immunohistological characteristics and mechanical properties as fatigue test, permeability test, compliance test, tensile strength (strain) test and thermal stability test. Results: Decellularization and elimination of ${\alpha}$-gal were confirmed through immunohistologic findings. Decellularization had decreased mechanical properties compared to fixation only group in permeability (before fatigue test p=0.02, after fatigue test p=0.034), compliance (after fatigue test p=0.041), and tensile strength test (p=0.00). The group of decellularization plus treatment with ${\alpha}$-galactosidase had less desirable mechanical properties than the group of decellularization in concerns of permeability (before fatigue test p=0.043) and strain test (p=0.001). Conclusion: Favorable decellularization and elimination of ${\alpha}$-gal were obtained in this study through immunohistologic findings. However, those treatment including decellularization and elimination of ${\alpha}$-gal implied the decreased mechanical properties in specific ways. We need more study to complete appropriate bioprosthesis with decellularization and elimination of ${\alpha}$-gal including favorable mechanical properties too.