Abstract: Objective To explore the optimal cycle of detergent-enzymatic method for rabbit tissue engineering tracheal matrix.Methods Twenty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=6),the tracheas of group A was treated with nothing as control group,the tracheas of group B,C and D were treated with two,three and four cycles of the detergent-enzymatic method separately.The histologic appearance,ultrastructure,maximum drawing force,rupture force and mutation rate were observed.Results The maximum drawing force,rupture force and mutation rate on group B and group C were bigger than group A and group D.There were many epithelial cells in the tracheas of group A,some epithelial cells in the tracheas of group B,but none epithelial cells in the tracheas of group C and group D by histological observation.The extracellular matrix and collagen fiber in group A,B,C were significantly more than in group D by SEM.Conclusion The tracheals treated with three cycles are more nonimmunogenic,have better biomechanical performance and more ECM.It is suitable for reconstruction of allograft engineering tracheal.

Key words: Tissue engineering, Detergent-enzymatic method, Biomechanics, Extra cellular matrix(ECM)