Comparison of Two Different Decellularization Methods for the Development of Acellular Corpus Matrices

Decellularization is an essential step in the generation of biological scaffolds in tissue engineering. Here, we report the effects of decellularization with Triton X‐100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the histological and biochemical characteristics of the corpus cavernosum in a rabbit model. Briefly, we cut the corpus cavernosum into 10‐mm‐thick slices and treated the slices with 1% SDS or 1% Triton X‐100. Following this, we conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses using the slices. We successfully obtained acellular corpus matrices (ACMs) using both decellularization methods. The ACMs exhibited suitable characteristics of cell adhesion and survival. SDS treatment was more effective for the removal of cellular components from the native tissues but altered both the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the ACMs. Triton X‐100 was less effective for cellular extraction but helped maintain the biochemical and histological characteristics of the ACMs to a greater extent than SDS. Although additional research is needed, the results indicate that ACMs generated using Triton X‐100 are superior three‐dimensional scaffolds that can be used for constructing engineered corpus cavernosum.