The present invention is a process for preparing soft tissue such as
tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, dermis, human valves and human
veins for implant in a human and removes cellular components and forms an
decellular matrix having as major components collagens and elastins while
sterilizing the tissue. The process comprises the following steps: (1)
isolating from a suitable donor a desired soft tissue sample of the
biological material; (2) processing and decellularizing the soft tissue
including inspection for visual defects, trimming and soaking the tissue
in a detergent depending on whether the tissue is fascia or dermis and
rinsing same with sterile water; (3) sterilizing the soft tissue in a
vacuum and soaking the tissue in an antibiotic composition or peracetic
acid depending on whether the soft tissue is fascia or dermis and rinsing
same; (4) processing the tissue by cutting the tissue to size and
perforating the tissue; and (5) dipping the tissue in 70% ethanol and
packaging the tissue.