Fig. 1

Flowchart assessment of sterilization efficacy. Naturally occurring micro-organisms in donated vaginal wall tissue were identified in negative controls. After controlled contamination with L. crispatus, S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans strains at known concentrations, contamination was confirmed. The efficacy of decellularization with and without sterilization on these contaminants was assessed through blood agar plating of tissue stamps and tissue homogenate.