Supercritical carbon dioxide decellularised pericardium: Mechanical and structural characterisation for applications in cardio-thoracic surgery

摘要: Abstract Introduction Many biomaterials are used in cardio-thoracic surgery with good short-term results. However, calcification, dehiscence, and formation of scar tissue reported. The aim this research is to characterise decellularised pericardium after supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) processing as an alternative biological material for uses surgery. Methods Porcine bovine were using scCO2. Mechanical properties such tensile strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness suture retention strength determined. Ultrastructure was visualised Scanning Electron Microscopy. Water uptake swelling experimentally Commercially available glutaraldehyde treated gold standard comparison. Results scCO2 porcine (and pericardium) maintained their compared untreated native (13.3 ± 2.4 MPa vs 14.0 4.1 MPa, p = 0.73). Tensile significantly higher (19.4 7.3 MPa 10.2 2.2 MPa, 0.02). Suture than (p 0.01). We found no anisotropy or based on a trouser tear test. uncompromised pericardium, while showed deterioration extracellular matrix. Conclusion preserves initial mechanical structural damages the matrix pericardium. Decellularisation might give long-term solutions without compromising properties.