Abstract:

Objective To investigate the method of preparing engineered myocardial patch using skeletal muscle decellularized scaffold，and to evaluate its biological function. Methods Rat rectus abdominis was decellu⁃ larized and then cross⁃linked with EDC and NHS to obtain skeletal muscle decellularized scaffolds. Decellularization and microstructure observed while mechanical properties were determined. Biocompatibility，cardiomyocyte function⁃ alization，and endothelial cell vascularization in the skeletal muscle decellularized scaffolds were evaluated by in vitro cell assay and qRT ⁃PCR. Results As the EDC concentration was 0.5 mol/L，the most appropriate elastic modulus was found in the skeletal muscle decellularized scaffolds. The skeletal muscle decellularized scaffolds contained VEGF in each group，and the 0.5 mol/L group had the highest viable cell rate and better cytoskeleton extension in the in vitro cell assay，and the formation of intercellular sarcomere was observed after implantation of primary cardiomyocytes. Angiogenesis was seen after implantation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells，and vas⁃ cular⁃specific VEGF and eNOS proteins were verified by qRT⁃PCR. Conclusions The skeletal muscle decellularized scaffolds with cross⁃linking agent EDC 0.5 mol/L have better mechanical properties. They can accelerate maturation and functionalization of primary cardiomyocytes，and vascularization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. 

Key words:

engineered myocardial patch, skeletal muscle, decellularized scaffold