Decellularized matrices for tissue engineering.
BACKGROUND
Biomimetic scaffolds and substrates of extracellular matrices (ECMs) play an important role in the regulation of cell function and in the guidance of new tissue regeneration, as an ECM has the intrinsic cues necessary to communicate with and dictate to cells.


METHODS
This paper reviews the latest developments in ECM scaffolds and substrates obtained from decellularized tissues, organs or cultured cells and their application in tissue engineering. The ECM composition, structure, interaction with surrounding cells, preparation method and usage in the regeneration of various tissues and organs are summarised.


RESULTS
The advantages and challenges of decellularized matrices are highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
Similarity in the composition, microstructure and biomechanical properties of the decellularized scaffolds and substrates to those of the native tissues and organs maximizes the promotion effect in the regeneration of both structural and functional tissues and organs. Simple tissues as well as complicated organs have been decellularized and decellularization methods have been optimized to completely remove the cellular components while keeping the ECM intact.
National Institute for Materials Science, Biomaterials Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Takashi
T
Hoshiba
Hongxu
H
Lu
Naoki
N
Kawazoe
Guoping
G
Chen
D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D012038:Regeneration; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds