Alternative biocidal solutions for storage of allogeneic vascular grafts used for the replacement of cardiovascular elements

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of six different solutions: a cocktail of antibiotics, chlorhexidine in two concentrations (0.05% and 0.2%), glycerol, a mixture of glycerin and ethanol, and a commercial decontamination solution “Optiphen”. In addition, we evaluated the influence of these solutions on the mechanical properties (tensile strength and Young's modulus) of the vascular wall during 50 days of storage. Methods. Samples of porcine aortas were stored in the solutions under study for 50 days. Microbiological analysis of the samples was carried out every 10 days. The elastic modulus and tensile strength were determined by uniaxial measurements using a tensile testing machine ESM301 (MARK-10, USA) at 10, 30, and 50 days of the experiment. Results. Microbiological analysis has demonstrated that the samples stored in solution “Optiphen” and chlorhexidine 0.2% were sterile throughout the experiment (50 days). When stored in the cocktail of antibiotics, the samples remained sterile for 40 days. The solution of chlorhexidine 0.05% and glycerol had no required disinfecting properties. Biomechanical properties were the least affected by storage in solution “Optiphen”, and were the most affected by storage in chlorhexidine 0.2%. Conclusion. Microbiological analysis and the study of biomechanical properties have demonstrated that the most suitable solution for long-term storage of vessels without cryoconservation was solution “Optiphen”. However, a detailed morphological analysis of the vascular wall samples is required at different storage times and after subcutaneous implantation in rats, for the final choice of the optimal storage medium.