Porcine kidneys as a source of ECM scaffold for kidney regeneration.

Objective: To produce and examine decellularized kidney scaffolds from porcine as a platform for kidney regeneration research.

Methods: Porcine kidneys were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and Triton X-100 after the blood was rinsed. Then the renal ECM scaffolds were examined for vascular imaging, histology to investigate the vascular patency, degree of decellularization.

Results: Renal ECM scaffolds of porcine kidneys were successfully produced. Decellularized renal scaffolds retained intact microarchitecture including the renal vasculature and essential extracellular matrix components.

Conclusions: We have developed an excellent decellularization method that can be used in large organs. These scaffolds maintain their basic components, and show intact vasculature system. This represents a step toward development of a transplantable organ using tissue engineering techniques.