Objective      To investigate the role of ultrasound-aided decalcifying techniques in preparation of decalcified swine bone matrix.     Methods      Hind leg bone of male swine at the age of 6 months was cleaned and cut into sections. Decalcified swine bone matrix was prepared with the traditional and ultrasound-aided decalcifying techniques

respectively. The ultrasound power

frequency and time used in preparation of decalcified swine bone matrix were 220 W

25 kHz and 0-6 h

respectively. Effect of ultrasound-aided decalcifying technique on the decalcification rate of bone matrix was observed. Thr

ee-dimensional structure of the decalcified bone matrix was observed under a microscope. Porosity and pore size of the decalcified bone matrix were measured by micro-CT. Mechanical properties of the decalcified bone matrix were assayed and expressed as a compress modulus.     Results      The decalcification rate of ultrasound-aided decalcifying technique for bone matrix could reach 100% in 6 h

which was significantly higher than that of traditional decalcifying technique. The decalcifying time of ultrasound-aided decalcifying technique for bone matrix could be shorted by 45.5%. The porosity and pore size of the decalcified bone matrix were over 85% and 348.18±64.86 μm

respectively

which were not significantly different from those of decalcified bone matrix prepared with the traditional method. The mechanical properties of the decalcified bone matrix were rather good with a compress modulus of 6.42±0.83 N/mm

2

when the decalcification rate reached 90%.     Conclusion      Ultrasound-aided decalcifying techniques can effectively improve the preparation rate of decalcified bone matrix.