New frontiers in porcine atrioventricular node decellularization: preserving extracellular matrix architecture for biological scaffolds

Introduction Cardiac implantable electronic devices manage arrhythmias but are limited by mechanical failures, infection risks, and poor long-term biocompatibility. Developing a biological alternative that restores intrinsic pacemaking remains a key clinical challenge. Methods We developed cardiac scaffolds from porcine atrioventricular nodes using an optimized Tergitol-based decellularization protocol. Morphological, ultrastructural, proteomic, and mechanical analyses were conducted to assess ECM integrity and preservation of native architecture. Results The decellularization process effectively removed cellular and nuclear components while preserving three-dimensional structure, collagen content, and overall ECM organization. Analyses confirmed that key features essential for pacemaker tissue support were maintained. Discussion Our findings demonstrate that the scaffold retains native characteristics suitable for biologically inspired pacemaker applications. This work provides a foundation for ECM-derived hydrogel development, cytocompatibility testing, and integration with cardiomyocytes in next-generation tissue-engineered cardiac scaffolds.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Published
2026-03-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2026.1766378
Primary Topic
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

New frontiers in porcine atrioventricular node decellularization: preserving extracellular matrix architecture for biological scaffolds

Selena Mimmi, A. Fabozzo, Tiziana Palmosi, Deborah Sandrin et al.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
article

New frontiers in porcine atrioventricular node decellularization: preserving extracellular matrix architecture for biological scaffolds

Selena Mimmi, A. Fabozzo, Tiziana Palmosi, Deborah Sandrin, Alberto Elmi, Luisa Vera Muscatello, Gino Gerosa, Filippo Romanato, Nunzia Gallo, Giuseppe Sarli, Paolo Grumati, Giada De Lazzari, Anna Maria Tolomeo, Enrico Iaccino, Nicola Pradegan, Ricardo Malvicini, Agnese Lauroja, Luca Burgio Salvatore, Alessandro Sannino, Domenico Ventrella, Lucia Santorelli, Maria Laura Bacci, Alice Tomas
article en

Abstract

Introduction Cardiac implantable electronic devices manage arrhythmias but are limited by mechanical failures, infection risks, and poor long-term biocompatibility. Developing a biological alternative that restores intrinsic pacemaking remains a key clinical challenge. Methods We developed cardiac scaffolds from porcine atrioventricular nodes using an optimized Tergitol-based decellularization protocol. Morphological, ultrastructural, proteomic, and mechanical analyses were conducted to assess ECM integrity and preservation of native architecture. Results The decellularization process effectively removed cellular and nuclear components while preserving three-dimensional structure, collagen content, and overall ECM organization. Analyses confirmed that key features essential for pacemaker tissue support were maintained. Discussion Our findings demonstrate that the scaffold retains native characteristics suitable for biologically inspired pacemaker applications. This work provides a foundation for ECM-derived hydrogel development, cytocompatibility testing, and integration with cardiomyocytes in next-generation tissue-engineered cardiac scaffolds.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and BiotechnologyVol. 14
University of Pisa (IT), University of Padua (IT), University of Salento (IT), Magna Graecia University (IT), Nanomaterials Research (United States) (US), Federico II University Hospital (IT), Telethon Institute Of Genetics And Medicine (IT), Città della Speranza Foundation (IT), University of Naples Federico II (IT), University of Bologna (IT)
Fondazione Città della Speranza, Università degli Studi di Padova
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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