FIG. 7.

Mechanical properties of decellularized tissues. (A) Biaxial stress–strain analysis of aortic root tissue components before (native, full lines) and after complete decellularization by 16 days of perfusion (D16, dashed lines). Cusp tissues were tested in circumferential (Circ, black lines) and radial axis (Rad, red lines) and sinus and wall tissues in circumferential (Circ, black lines) and longitudinal (Long, red lines) axis. *Designates statistically significant differences in mean values of decellularized tissues compared to native tissues for each testing axis. (B) Bending properties of fresh and 16-day perfusion decellularized cusps (D16) tested with their natural curvature (WC) and against curvature (AC). (C) Top image of an acellular root depicting directions of the biaxial and bending analysis of aortic cusps shown in A and B. (D) Macroscopic aspects of a cusp strip during a bending test. Top, at rest; bottom, after full bending. Black contrast markers were glued onto the strip for tracking purposes. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tec