Optimizing Decellularized Human Umbilical Vein as a Scaffold for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Background: The demand for effective vascular grafts continues to increase with the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The decellularized human umbilical vein (HUV) offers a promising scaffold for cellular removal, extracellular matrix (ECM) preservation, and balanced biocompatibility. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-based decellularization protocol for HUV preparation intended for future stem cell seeding. Methods: HUVs were obtained from four full-term cesarean deliveries (37–39 weeks; total length 210 cm) and assigned to a control group or five SDS-treated groups (0.5% SDS for 6, 12, and 24 h; 1% SDS for 12 and 24 h). Following decellularization, scaffolds were freeze-dried, gamma-sterilized, and analyzed for DNA content, cell viability (MTT assay), collagen/elastin retention, and histological and ultrastructural changes. Results: The 0.5% SDS for 6 h group achieved optimal results, with significant cell clearance (1.82 ± 1.75 vs. 5.55 ± 2.49 cells/field; p = 0.009) and DNA reduction (59.6 ± 22.62 vs. 258.09 ± 107.63 ng/µL), while maintaining cell viability (87.05 ± 17.14% vs. 84.79 ± 14.3%; p = 0.781). Collagen (20.80 ± 5.26% vs. 27.34 ± 5.34%; p = 0.152) and elastin (21.13 ± 5.02% vs. 24.47 ± 8.01%; p = 0.437) retention were comparable to controls. Conclusions: A 0.5% SDS 6 h decellularization protocol effectively removed cellular components while preserving ECM integrity and biocompatibility, offering a balanced and feasible approach for preparing HUV scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering applications.