Spectroscopic Analysis of Human Tracheal Tissue during Decellularization

ObjectiveTo use mid-infrared (IR) spectroscopy to assess changes in the cartilaginous framework of human trachea during decellularization.Study DesignLaboratory-based study.SettingResearch laboratory.MethodsSix cadaveric human tracheas were decellularized using a detergent enzymatic method (DEM). Tissue samples were obtained from each specimen after 0, 1, 10, and 25 DEM cycles for histologic and spectroscopic analysis. Decellularization was confirmed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and 2-(4-amidinophenyl)-1H-indole-6-carboxamidine (DAPI) staining. Changes in cartilaginous framework were examined using Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) and an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) probe in the mid-IR frequencies. Results were statistically analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsSix decellularized tracheal scaffolds were successfully created using a DEM protocol. Histologic examination showed near-complete nuclear loss following ...