Figure 2: Tissue decellularization process and characterization of ECM components.
(a) Porcine heart left ventricle and liver were decellularized using optimized protocols to yield a fibrous extracellular matrix. Scale bar, 2 cm. Histological images of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections of the decellularized tissues showing the removal of cellular content and preservation of native microarchitecture. Scale bar, 200 μm. Scanning electron microscopy images of the ultrastructure confirming the presence of thick and thin collagen fibrils post decellularization in all tissues. Scale bar, 10 μm. (b) Representative immunohistochemical stained sections of HdECM and LdECM tissues for the presence of key extracellular matrix components pseudo colored: red (collagen I), yellow (collagen IV), cyan (fibronectin), green (laminin). Scale bar, 200 μm. (c) Residual dsDNA content quantification. (d) Collagen content quantification. (e) Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content quantification. All data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. * = significant within each tissue group (p< 0.05). (n=3).