Evaluation of detergent-free and detergent-based methods for decellularization of murine skin

Acute and chronic wounds contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in affected people and impose significant financial burdens on healthcare systems. For these challenging wounds, Acellular Dermal Matrices (ADMs) have been used as a biological wound coverage. Unlike engineered dermal matrices, ADMs are prepared through the removal of cells from skin, while preserving the extracellular matrix structure and function. In this study, our primary objective was to develop a detergent-free method of decellularization of the skin to mitigate chemical stress on matrix molecules. Then we performed a set of in vitro and in vivo experiments to compare this method with non-ionic and anionic detergent methods. All decellularization methods satisfactorily removed cells and supported fibroblast growth and migration in vitro. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAGs) content was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) only in ionic detergent treatment group. In contrast to detergent-free method, all detergent-based methods signif...