Biaxial strength of multilaminated extracellular matrix scaffolds

Xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) can be harvested and configured to function as a bioscaffold for tissue and organ reconstruction. The mechanical properties of the ECM vary depending upon the tissue from which it is harvested. Likewise, the manufacturing steps required to develop ECMs into medical grade devices will affect the surface morphology and the mechanical properties of the bioscaffold; important properties for constructive tissue remodeling. The present study compared the ball-burst strength of five different ECM scaffolds before and after treatment with peracetic acid (PAA): porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), porcine urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM), a composite of UBS+UBM, and canine stomach submucosa (SS). This study also compared the mechanical properties of 2- and 4-layer ECM scaffolds. Results showed 2-layer SS devices had the highest ball-burst value of all 2-layer ECM devices. Moreover, all 4-layer ECM devices had similar ball-burst strength except for 4-layer UBM devices which was the weakest. PAA-treatment decreased the ball-burst strength of SS and increased the ball-burst strength of UBS 2-layer devices. This study showed the material properties of the ECM scaffolds could be engineered to mimic those of native soft tissues (i.e. vascular, musculotendinous, etc) by varying the number of layers and modifying the disinfection/sterilization treatments used for manufacturing.