Bovine and Porcine Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

 Decellularized bovine and porcine pericardium are high-quality biological tissues used in various surgical applications. These materials are processed to remove cellular components while preserving the extracellular matrix, providing a biocompatible scaffold for tissue integration and growth. 

Bovine Pericardium:

• Sourced from cattle reared in areas classified by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as having a controlled risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
• Animal Age: 6 to 24 months.

Porcine Pericardium:

• Sourced from pigs, typically raised in controlled environments with stringent health monitoring. 

No Aldehyde Chemistry: 

• No aldehyde chemistry is used in any part of the process, ensuring nonimmunogenic and biocompatible properties.

Bovine Pericardium:

• Removes cellular components while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Reduces immune-mediated processes, such as those triggered by alpha-gal and cellular DNA.
• Demonstrates excellent host fibroblast incorporation and angiogenesis.

Porcine Pericardium:

• Similar decellularization process to remove cellular components.
• Highly biocompatible with good mechanical properties.
• Effective for reducing immune responses. 

Biocompatibility: Both bovine and porcine decellularized pericardia are nonimmunogenic, biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and maintain natural physical properties and biomechanical integrity.

Mechanical Properties: Bovine pericardium is known for its superior tensile strength and durability, while porcine pericardium offers good flexibility and is easier to handle.

Suture Properties: Enhanced suture retention in both types, reducing bleeding from the needle hole and improving surgical outcomes.

Ease of Use: Feels similar to autologous tissue, making it easy to trim, shape, and suture. 

Available Sizes:

• 5 x 5 cm
• 6 x 8 cm
• 5 x 10 cm
• 8 x 4 cm
• 8 x 8 cm
• 6 x 12 cm
• 10 x 10 cm
• 12 x 10 cm

Custom Sizes: 

• Custom sizes and shapes are available upon request to meet specific surgical needs.

Surface Types: 

• Each patch features a smooth (serous) surface and a villous (fibrous) surface.

Thickness: 

• The thickness of the patches ranges from 0.3 to 0.75 mm. 

Pediatric Surgery:

• Congenital Heart Defects: Decellularized pericardium is used to repair congenital heart defects in pediatric surgery. The process reduces immunogenic reactions that can cause inflammation and tissue calcification over time. The ideal graft for congenital heart disease repair should be biocompatible, mechanically resistant, non-immunogenic, and able to grow with the patient. Decellularized pericardium meets these needs, acting as a scaffold for host tissue to integrate and grow.

Cardiovascular Surgery:

• Bovine Pericardium: Preferred for vascular reconstruction, heart valve repairs, and outflow tract reconstruction due to its strength and durability.
• Porcine Pericardium: Often used in heart valve repairs and septal defect closures, benefiting from its flexibility and ease of handling.

Reconstructive Surgery:

• Bovine Pericardium: Suitable for soft tissue repair, diaphragmatic hernia repair, and pelvic floor reconstruction.
• Porcine Pericardium: Effective in urological surgeries, hernia repair, and thoracic surgery due to its adaptable nature.

Other Applications:

• Neurosurgery: Both types are used in dura mater replacement and cranial defect repair.
• Wound Care: Provide a durable and biocompatible covering for complex wounds.
• Experimental Surgery: Utilized in various research settings to evaluate new surgical techniques and medical devices.

Laboratory Research and Tissue Engineering:

• Scaffolds for Cell Culture: Bovine and porcine decellularized pericardia are designed for use in laboratories of research institutes specializing in cell or tissue engineering and cell culture cultivation.
  • 3-D Substrates: Scaffolds are often referred to as 3-D substrates-carriers for the spatial formation of future tissue or organs. They are used in modern regenerative medicine both independently and for the manufacture of tissue engineering structures.
  • Scaffold Types: Tissue engineering structures manufactured today can be divided into three groups:
    • Direct Scaffolds: These "empty" matrices serve as a base for the adhesion and proliferation of cells migrating from the surrounding tissues of the implant.
    • Targeted Delivery Systems: These scaffolds have enhanced bioactivity by incorporating various biologically active substances, such as growth factors, which are gradually released to provide local stable concentrations of pro-regenerative agents.
    • Tissue Engineering Structures: Scaffolds with pre-grown in vitro cell cultures integrated into their composition.

Decellularized bovine and porcine pericardium offer distinct advantages for surgical applications. These materials provide strength, flexibility, and ease of handling, making them suitable for a wide range of medical procedures. Their biocompatibility and ability to integrate with host tissues make them ideal for both pediatric and adult surgeries. Additionally, their use as scaffolds in tissue engineering and cell culture cultivation highlights their versatility and importance in regenerative medicine.