System and Method for Electrophoretic Decellularization

Abstract

A device for decellularizing a tissue includes a container, first and second electrodes disposed within the container and defining a space between the first and second electrodes to receive the tissue, a perfusion pump, and a conduit connected to the perfusion pump to transport a decellularization solution from the pump into the tissue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for decellularizing a tissue, the device comprising:
 a container;   first and second electrodes disposed within the container and defining a space between the first and second electrodes to receive the tissue;   a perfusion pump; and   a conduit connected to the perfusion pump to transport a decellularization solution from the pump into the tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a needle connected to the conduit and inserted into the tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a perfusion tube connected to the conduit and inserted into the tissue. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrode has a surface area at least 60% of the projection area of the tissue 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is coated with a first corrosion-resistant conductive material, the first corrosion-resistant conductive material being ceramic or polymeric. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the second electrode is coated with a second corrosion-resistant conductive material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the power source is to provide a constant voltage difference between the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the power source is to provide an oscillating voltage difference between the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a decellularization composition disposed within the container and in contact with the first and second electrodes, wherein the decellularization composition includes a surfactant. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the decellularization composition is a hydrogel. 
     
     
         12 . A method of decellularizing a tissue, the method comprising:
 disposing the tissue within a device, the device comprising:
 a container; 
 first and second electrodes disposed within the container and defining a space between the first and second electrodes to receive the tissue; and 
 a perfusion pump; and 
 a conduit connected to the perfusion pump to transport a decellularization composition from the pump into the tissue; 
   disposing the decellularization composition within the container to surround the tissue and contact the first and second electrodes;   applying an electric potential across the first and second electrodes; and   perfusing the decullarization composition into the tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device further includes a needle connected to the conduit and inserted into the tissue. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device further includes a perfusion tube connected to the conduit and inserted into the tissue. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the decellularization composition is a hydrogel. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the decellularization composition includes a surfactant. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the surfactant is an ionic surfactant. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the decellularization composition is buffered to a pH in a range of 6.5 to 8.5. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a surface area of the first or second electrode is at least 75% of a projection area. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device further includes a power source electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes, further comprising providing with the power source an oscillating voltage difference between the first and second electrodes.