A COMPREHENSIVE BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF A BLADDER ACELLULAR MATRIX DERIVED FROM WHOLE FULL-THICKNESS RABBIT BLADDER

A combined chemical-physical decellularization protocol for whole full-thickness bladder decellularization was developed, representing the first step to the attainment of a biological-derived scaffold for bladder regeneration. Decellularization was obtained through a dynamic perfusion system, allowing cyclic organ mechanical distention aimed at reducing the tissue exposure time to the decellularising agents. Histological analysis was combined with biomechanical characterization, to evaluate the effectiveness of the protocol in preserving in vivo-like tissue composition, 3D architecture and biomechanical behaviour of the acellular organ. The analysis was focused on the retaining of desirable structural and functional components in the acellular matrix. Biomechanical properties were first evaluated at the mesoscale level, then, the whole organ specific distention properties were investigated through ex vivo filling cystometry curve analysis.