The importance of the extracellular matrix: a primer for “perfusion-decellularized matrix: using nature’s platform to engineer a bioartificial heart”
Bethanie Borg
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The number of donor organs is fewer than the patients on the transplant waiting list, while immunosuppression and rejection are common amongst those who receive a transplant. In an article entitled “Perfusion-decellularized matrix: using nature’s platform to engineer a bioartificial heart” by Harald Ott et al (2008), a major step was taken on the road to developing an alternative to donor organ transplantation. Rat hearts were decellularized with perfusion using the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), leaving the extracellular matrix intact. Heart constructs were recellularized in a perfusion bioreactor with neonatal cardiac cells. After 8 days, the constructs were able to respond to electrical stimulation and beat synchronously. Although the heart was not able to beat at the same level needed in order to sustain life, this was the first successful attempt at creating a fully functional bioartificial heart.
