Regenerative Medicine to Improve Outcomes of Ventral Hernia Reconstruction (REPAIR Study) Phase 1: Find the Best Decellularization Protocol for the Human Dermis.

Background: Tissue regeneration is a complex process that allows wounds to heal. Many options are currently available to help human skin repair and to reduce the recurrence of hernias. The aim of this study is to analyze the best decellularization protocol for allogenic human dermal tissues. Methods: Dermal flaps from donors were used and compared with a control group. Each flap was subjected to seven different decellularization protocols and washed with a sequence of five solutions. The samples were then subjected to four control tests (such as Nile Red), and long-term contacts were analyzed to assess whether the decellularized dermis samples could support the growth of human fibroblasts. Results: All the samples had an average residual viability of 60%. Except for one sample, the decellularization treatments were able to reduce cell viability significantly. The Nile Red test showed a significant reduction in phospholipid content (mean 90%, p-value < 0.05) in all treatments. The cell growth increased in a linear manner. As described in the literature, sodium-dodecyl-sulfate (SDS) caused an interference between the test and the detergent. Conclusions: This paper shows the first step to finding the best decellularization protocol for allografting human dermal tissues. Further biocompatibility tests and DNA quantification are necessary.