Research on Whole Organ Decellularization Protocols for Kidney Transplantation and Vascular Integrity Evaluation

The shortage of donor kidneys highlights the need for innovative approaches to transplantation. Whole-organ decellularization creates acellular scaffolds suitable for recellularization with recipient-derived cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection. A key challenge is preserving vascular integrity during decellularization to ensure organ functionality. This aims to compare three decellularization protocols, detergent-based, enzyme-based, and a combined approach, for their effectiveness in maintaining vascular integrity (VI), ECM retention, and perfusion capacity. Additionally, factors influencing VI are analyzed using statistical techniques. Kidneys were processed using the three protocols. VI was measured using parameters such as ECM retention percentage, vascular leakage rates, and perfusion capacity. Pearson correlation analysis determined correlations between parameters such as decellularization time and vascular outcomes. One-way ANOVA contrasted protocol performance, and logistic regression determined predictors of preservation of VI. There were significant differences in ECM retention between protocols. The detergent-based process showed superior ECM retention and reduced vascular leakage compared to other processes. Logistic regression found decellularization time and solution concentration were important predictors of vascular preservation. The detergent-based protocol better maintained VI and ECM retention, thus holding potential for future clinical use in kidney transplantation. Additional optimization might further improve scaffold quality and functional results.