Objective      To investigate the characteristics and cytocompatibility of acellular porcine bladder fixed with genipin in vitro in order to provide ideal biomaterials for the reconstruction of female pelvis.       Methods      Cellular components of porcine bladder were removed by detergent-enzymatic method. The acellular porcine bladder was crosslinked with 0.625% genipin for 72 h. The morphology of the obtained bladder was examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining

elastin/van Gieson staining and observed with scanning electron microscopy. Properties of the crosslinked acellular matrix were evaluated for tissue thickness

water absorption and in vitro enzymatic degradation. The cytotoxicity of the genipin-fixed materials was evaluated in vitro by MTT assay using a murine fibroblast cell line L-929.       Results      The genipin-crosslinked acellular porcine bladder was dark blue

with very well preserved collagen fibers. Cosslinked tissues had strong hydrophilicity and good mechanical properties

with a degradation ratio of only 2% after collagenase degradation for 28 d. While

the acellular porcine bladder was degradated completely at 7 d after collagenase treatment. The cytotoxicity of the materials was scored as grade 0 to 1.       Conclusion      The genipin-fixed acellular porcine bladder possesses the ability of good hydrophilia

cytocompatibility and resistance to enzymatic degradation. It can be used as an ideal tissue engineering material for the reconstruction of female pelvis.