(0831) Progressing Laryngeal Transplantation: A Comparison of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Decellularization and Antigen Removal Techniques

Introduction: Laryngeal transplantation is a potential approach to improve a patient's quality of life through restoration of speech and airway function, however, need for lifelong immunosuppression limits this procedure's accessibility. This study compares functional and immunomodulatory efficacy of a standard SDS decellularization technique and a novel targeted antigen removal and structure sparing approach in a mouse larynx model.

Methods: To perform these experiments, mouse larynges are excised using a previously established donor model. Following extraction, larynges undergo either SDS decellularization or targeted antigen removal. For each group, we characterized the extracellular matrix macromolecules and DNA remaining on larynges. We then assessed the mechanical properties via nanoindentation and ECM structure by scanning electron microscopy. These parameters are compared with a control native tissue group to assess mechanical and structural tissue maintenance. A pilot study has been done to show feasibility of SDS decellularization in a mouse larynx.

Results: Preliminary results of two SDS decellularized mouse larynges met an accepted minimum criteria for competent decellularization quantification of < 50 ng dsDNA/mg tissue weight (4.99 ng dsDNA/ mg tissue weight; 6.03 ng dsDNA/mg tissue weight). Increased translucency was visualized in both larynges following the decellularization process. Results from the entire study will be discussed at the time of presentation.

Conclusions: Pilot study results show the feasibility of this project, which will provide the foundation of how the novel antigen removal approach compares to the standard SDS decellularization method. This understanding will be critical in informing future directions for reducing the need for lifelong immunosuppression following laryngeal transplant and expanding laryngeal transplant accessibility.