Biocompatibility of genipin-fixed porcine aorta as a possible esophageal prosthesis

In this study, porcine aortic tissues were fixed with genipin to construct an esophageal prosthesis. In vitro characterization was performed and in vivo biocompatibility experiments were undertaken to evaluate the biological properties of genipin-fixed porcine aortic tissues. The porcine aortic tissues fixed with genipin at pH 4.0, 0.625 g/100 ml initial fixative concentrations for 7 days showed more favorable characteristics. It was characterized by low antigenicity, good epithelial cellular compatibility, favorable biomechanical properties for an esophageal prosthesis, high resistance against enzymatic degradation and be readily available. The porcine aortic tissues fixed with genipin also showed good biocompatibility in vivo. The present study demonstrated that the genipin-fixed porcine aortic tissues could be a promising material for the construction of an esophageal prosthesis or fabricating scaffold for a tissue engineered esophagus.

► Porcine aorta (thick tissues) were crosslinked by genipin on behalf of naturally derived thin tissues (e.g. bovine pericardium).
► We model the porcine aorta for a possible esophageal prosthesis.
► We examine biocompatibility of the esophageal prosthesis in vitro and in vivo.
► An artificial esophagus with excellent performance characteristics and favorable biocompatibility could be expected.