KIDNEY RECONSTRUCTION BASED ON BIOPRINTING

Resumo

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the major global public health challenges, ranking among the top ten causes of mortality, with projections of continued growth in the coming decades. Given this scenario, the present study proposes the development of a bioink based on porcine renal extracellular matrix (BioMEC), intended for the three -dimensional bioprinting of biofunctional renal constructs. To this end, healthy porcine kidneys were obta ined from an accredited slaughterhouse and fragmented into standardized samples (1 × 1 × 0.5 cm), with an emphasis on the cortical region. Next, a diffusion decellularization protocol was applied, using a solution containing 0.1% Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and 1% Triton X-100 in distilled water, at a ratio of 5 mL of solution per cm³ of tissue. The process was conducted under constant agitation at 100 rpm, with the solutions renewed every 4 hours, for 16 hours and overnight for 8 hours; this was repeated for 3 days. On the fourth day, the solutions were replaced every 6 hours for 10 hours and overnight for 14 hours; this was repeated for 2 days. Subsequently, the material underwent a washing step in distilled water, with agitation at 180 rpm and solution c hanges every 8 hours, for a total of 96 hours. The results of histological analysis using hematoxylin -eosin (H&E) staining demonstrated the efficient removal of cellular components, with the absence of nuclei, associated with the preservation of renal tiss ue architecture. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the preservation of structural integrity and cellular removal from the native matrix. These findings confirm the efficacy of the decellularization protocol and the integrity of the extracellular matrix obtained. Thus, the results indicate a promising advance for subsequent stages, including hydrogel formulation, stem cell incorporation, and 3D bioprinting. In summary, this study establishes a robust foundation for the development of biofunctional renal constructs, with potential for application in regenerative therapies aimed at restoring renal function.