The retention of extracellular matrix proteins and angiogenic and mitogenic cytokines in a decellularized porcine dermis

Decellularized dermis materials demonstrate considerable utility in surgical procedures including hernia repair and breast reconstruction. A new decellularized porcine dermis material has been developed that retains many native extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cytokines. This material has substantial mechanical strength with maximum tensile strength of 141.7 ± 85.4 (N/cm) and suture pull through strength of 47.0 ± 14.0 (N). After processing, many ECM proteins remained in the material including collagen III, collagen IV, collagen VII, laminin and fibronectin. Glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronic acid, were also preserved. Among several cytokines whose levels were quantified, more vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) were retained within this material than in comparable decellularized dermis materials. The retention of bioactivity was demonstrated in a cell culture assay. Because this decellularized porcine dermis material both retains significant strength and has substantial biological activity, it may promote rapid integration and repair in clinical applications.