Study on Methods for Preparing Acellular Matrices of Sheep Carotids

【 Objective 】This paper is to test the feasibility of preparing acellular matrices of sheep carotids with enzyme-eradicator method, further explore a new method, and prepare good acellular matrices of sheep carotids to provide scaffolds for constructing tissue-engineering blood vessels.【Method】Methods A and B were used for preparing acellular matrices of sheep carotids. A method was that sheep carotids (n=20) were frozen and thawed repeatedly for four times, then treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1%Triton X-100 and 1μmol·L-1 phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) for 4-7 d. B method was that sheep carotids (n=20) were treated with PBS containing 0.25% trypsin and 0.04% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid ( EDTA) for 1 d, and then with PBS containing 1% Triton X-100 for 3-6 d. Treated specimens were observed with naked eyes, optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, their mechanic properties were measured and compared among them.【Result】 A method not only entirely removed the cells of samples and maintained the normal structure of matrix fiber in samples, but also maintained good shape and mechanical properties of the acellular matrices prepared with it. Though B method entirely removed the cells of samples, the acellular matrices prepared with it did not maintain shape and strain. 【Conclusion】 Compared with B method, A method is a better and new method for preparing acellular matrices of sheep carotids.