Output details

Biochemical changes caused by decellularization may compromise mechanical integrity of tracheal scaffolds

This paper described the limitations of the current gold standard decellularisation method used to manufacture bioengineered trachea for clinical transplantation. In particular, the loss of structural proteins critical for a functional airway were reported and previously unreported biomechanical compromise in the engineered construct was found. The work underpinned the subsequent cGMP manufacture of a tissue-engineered trachea actually used for human transplantation at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Prof Martin Birchall, m.birchall@ucl.ac.uk) and featured on a BBC documentary about life-saving experimental surgery. The work underpinned development of a new bioreactor-based method of decellularisation that is faster and yields a mechanically stronger scaffold.