From Waste to Potential Prostheses: Repurposing Biological Waste to Generate Bioartificial Blood Vessels and Corneas

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain among the leading global health concerns. Conditions such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and vascular trauma have increased the clinical demand for vascular grafts. While autologous grafts and synthetic stents offer partial solutions, suitable substitutes for small- and medium-diameter vessels are still limited. CVDs are frequently associated with diabetes, a comorbidity that can affect corneal health through secondary complications such as glaucoma and corneal dystrophy. However, the availability of donor corneas meets only a small fraction of the global demand, underscoring the need for alternative corneal replacement strategies. Xenotransplantation, particularly using decellularized animal tissues, has shown promise in addressing these limitations. In this study, ovine aortas and corneas obtained from UAE slaughterhouses were decellularized using a detergent-based protocol (Ecover) and characterized for their structural and functional suitability as vascular and corneal scaffolds.

DNA quantification (Nanodrop and electrophoresis) confirmed substantial removal of cellular material. Surface tension measurements indicated effective detergent removal. Microbiological screening, including Prion ELISA, verified the absence of common pathogens without requiring additional sterilization. Histological analyses (H&E, Masson's Trichrome, Alcian Blue, PAS) confirmed preserved extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture, with collagen organization maintained and partial glycosaminoglycan reduction. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the retention of collagen type I as the dominant structural protein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis demonstrated scaffold porosity similar to native tissues.

Recellularization with fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and breast cancer cells using hydrodynamic injection showed viable cell adhesion and proliferation. Mechanical testing confirmed the scaffolds' structural integrity and compliance, while electrical testing validated physiological conductivity in vascular grafts. Optical assessments demonstrated acceptable transparency in corneal scaffolds.

Overall, the decellularized ovine aortic and corneal scaffolds retained key structural and functional properties, supporting their potential as biomaterial candidates for future vascular and corneal graft development.