J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2026 Apr 22:1-32. doi: 10.1080/09205063.2026.2659100. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Decellularized bovine and porcine pericardia are the most extensively used biological substitutes in clinical settings as self-regenerating replacements for treating cardiovascular anomalies. Despite advancements, these substitutes undergo early deterioration and degeneration if not crosslinked. The chemical crosslinking of these scaffolds, aimed at addressing their weak mechanical strength, hinders their long-term performance and regenerative efficacy. The present method describes the systematic evaluation of an alkaline-catalyzed, low-temperature mediated citric acid crosslinking strategy to incorporate silk fibroin (SF) for enhancing the biomechanical properties and stability of decellularized porcine pericardia (DPP) . Decellularization was performed using the tridecyl alcohol (ATE) method. Silk fibroin reinforced porcine pericardium (SFDPP) was systematically analyzed for successful incorporation of SF using histology, Confocal Raman microscopy, and SEM. Thermal analysis, biomechanical properties, suturability, and resistance to collagenase degradation has demonstrated increased strength and durability. In vitro cytocompatibility and toxicological studies further confirmed that SFDPP is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for cardiovascular applications. Rat subcutaneous implantation has proven SFDPP to be associated with significantly reduced inflammation and mineralization compared to the commercially available SJM Biocor pericardial patch. Results from rat abdominal wall defect and pig aortic vascular defect models demonstrated that SFDPP patch promoted structural restoration by site-appropriate constructive remodelling in both the defects. All these evidences confirmed its efficacy as a potential patch for treating cardiovascular defects.

PMID:42017470 | DOI:10.1080/09205063.2026.2659100