Technology

We use a proprietary glutaraldehyde-free process to decellularize and sterilize our tissue implants. This technique reduces residual DNA content to a minimum. After the process, RNA is no longer detectable. Subsequently, the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms is impossible. The complete removal of all xenogeneic cells ensures significantly reduced immunoreactivity against our implants.

Native Tissue

Native tissue consists of cells, cellular components, and an extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is formed on the outside of the cells. It consists of structural proteins, such as collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, which determine the mechanical properties of the tissue. The cells and cellular components are responsible for the rejection of xenogeneic tissue implants.

Decellularization Process

To prevent rejection and degeneration of the implants, autotissue uses the naturally occurring detergent deoxycholic acid (DOA) during processing to remove all cells and cellular components from the tissue.

Decellularized Tissue

Decellularized tissue is characterized by the absence of cell nuclei and a very low residual DNA and RNA content. Due to the very low RNA and DNA content, autotissue implants reveal a high degree of viral safety.

Structure

Decellularized tissue is characterized by the absence of cell nuclei and by very low residual DNA and RNA content. Our implants consist exclusively of ECM.

Stability

The mechanical properties of the decellularized tissue are preserved, giving the implant a stability that is comparable to native tissue. This indicates that cells and cellular components are not required for the preservation of the mechanical properties.

Decellularized Tissue

The implants are sterilized by a liquid sterilization procedure that has no negative effect on the residual ECM.