Caprine dermal scaffolds for repair of full-thickness skin wounds in rabbits

Biological scaffolds prepared after decellularization are used for the restoration of damaged tissues. A number of chemicals are used for bioscaffold preparation, and some of them damage their composition and architecture. Herein, we investigated the Sapindus mukorossi fruit pericarp extract (SPE) (5%) for decellularization of the caprine dermis. The dermal samples were processed in 5% SPE over magnetic stirrer for 96h at room temperature. The decellularization efficiency of SPE was analyzed by histological examination, DAPI staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), quantification of DNA hydroxyproline and hemocompatibility determination. Further, these acellular caprine dermal scaffolds were transplanted on full thickness skin wounds of group III New Zealand white rabbits. The wounds were left open in group I (Sham) and reconstructed by autograft in group II (n = 6 in each group). Continuous agitation of native caprine dermal tissues in 5% SPE for 96 hours leads to complete decellularization without affecting the extracellular matrix architecture. Microscopic observation of decellularized samples did not show any nuclei. DNA quantity was reduced (p < .05) in decellularized samples and scaffolds were found to be hemocompatible. Complete healing was observed on day 28 in groups II and III. No significant difference was noted in IgG in all the groups. Quantitative assessment of MDA showed a significant increase in groups I and II. Our results suggested that the 5% SPE solution effectively decellularized the native caprine dermis and the scaffolds were well tolerated by the animals.