Perfusiedecelleralisatie

Perfusiedecelleralisatie is a laboratory technique used to remove cells from a tissue or organ while preserving its extracellular matrix. This process involves perfusing a tissue with various chemical agents. Initially, detergents are often used to break down and remove cellular components, including cell membranes, cytoplasm, and nuclei. Following detergent treatment, the tissue is rinsed to remove residual cellular debris. The goal is to create a biological scaffold that retains the intricate three-dimensional structure of the original tissue, which is composed primarily of extracellular matrix proteins like collagen. This decellularized matrix can then be repopulated with new cells for various research and therapeutic applications. For instance, it can be used as a substrate for tissue engineering to grow new tissues or organs, or as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine. The effectiveness of decellularization is often assessed by evaluating the absence of cellular material and the preservation of the extracellular matrix structure and composition. Different protocols and agents are employed depending on the specific tissue type and the intended downstream application.