Collagen matrices are preserved following decellularization of a bovine bone scaffold

The decellularization of bovine bone has emerged as a strategy for the repair, replacement, and regeneration of bone defects. To evaluate the effects of a new protocol of bone decellularization and its impact on the structure and collagen scaffold. Cancellous bone from bovine femur was dissected in fragments and decellularized based on protocol of multiple steps. The residual protein levels, histological, morphometric, and scanning electronic microscopy analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of decellularization and the impact on the structure and collagen scaffold. A cytotoxicity assay was performed. Residual protein analysis showed an important removal of bone marrow components and cell debris from the bone. Sections revealed that collagen fibers presented integrity and absence of cells in the decellularized bone. Sirius Red-stained sections of collagen fiber collagen matrix were maintained after decellularization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the main bone structure, despite being irregular, was maintained in both groups, with no significant visual differences between the surface characteristics according to the groups. Decellularized bovine bone demonstrated a degree of toxicity of 3, indicating moderate reactivity. The present data demonstrate that the main bone structure was maintained. Additionally, the chemical and physical treatments were able to remove cellular debris, and extracellular matrix architecture and collagen were preserved. However, the tissue showed moderate toxicity.

Automated summary

The decellularization of bovine bone is an effective method for repairing bone defects. The new protocol used in this study successfully removed bone marrow components and cell debris, while preserving the structure of collagen fibers and extracellular matrix. However, the decellularized bovine bone showed moderate toxicity.