Biomechanical Strength and Anatomohistological Characteristics of Decellularized Bone from Goat as Bone Reconstruction Candidate

Aims: To evaluate the histological, extracellular matrix (ECM), and biomechanical characteristics of goat bone before and after decellularization, and to determine its suitability as a xenograft material for bone regeneration. Study Design: Experimental laboratory study. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia; duration of study is 2 years. Methodology: Goat humerus bones were harvested, cleaned, and cut into standardized segments. Samples were decellularized using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for 7, 14, and 25 days. Macroscopic dimensions were measured with digital calipers, and tensile strength was assessed using a universal testing machine. ECM integrity was evaluated using Masson's Trichrome staining, while bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Collagen content and BMP-2 expression were quantified using ImageJ, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05). Results: Decellularization effectively removed cellular components while preserving cortical structure, with no significant changes in bone dimensions or tensile strength among groups (p > 0.05). ECM collagen content gradually decreased with immersion time, with 14-day decellularization preserving the highest structural integrity. BMP-2 expression was reduced in decellularized bones, especially after 25 days, although residual expression was observed, indicating that the osteogenic potential was maintained. Fourteen days of SDS immersion was identified as optimal for balancing ECM preservation and cell removal. Conclusion: Goat bone decellularized with SDS retains ECM integrity, biomechanical strength, and partial osteogenic potential, indicating its suitability as a xenograft scaffold. Future studies should focus on optimizing decellularization protocols to enhance BMP-2 retention and evaluating in vivo biocompatibility and regenerative potential.