Decellularized extracellular matrix biomaterials for regenerative therapies: Advances, challenges and clinical prospects

• Published in: Bioactive materials 2024-02, Vol.32, p.98-123
• Main Authors: Golebiowska, Aleksandra A., Intravaia, Jonathon T., Sathe, Vinayak M., Kumbar, Sangamesh G., Nukavarapu, Syam P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-chemical cues; Chemotactic ability; Clinical therapies; Native micro-environment; Non-immune biomaterials and grafts; Review; Tissue-inks
• ISSN: 2452-199X; 2452-199X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.017

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have shown potential in the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs via the use of engineered biomaterials and scaffolds. However, current constructs face limitations in replicating the intricate native microenvironment and achieving optimal regenerative capacity and functional recovery. To address these challenges, the utilization of decellularized tissues and cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) has emerged as a promising approach. These biocompatible and bioactive biomaterials can be engineered into porous scaffolds and grafts that mimic the structural and compositional aspects of the native tissue or organ microenvironment, both in vitro and in vivo. Bioactive dECM materials provide a unique tissue-specific microenvironment that can regulate and guide cellular processes, thereby enhancing regenerative therapies. In this review, we explore the emerging frontiers of decellularized tissue-derived and cell-derived biomaterials and bio-inks in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We discuss the need for further improvements in decellularization methods and techniques to retain structural, biological, and physicochemical characteristics of the dECM products in a way to mimic native tissues and organs. This article underscores the potential of dECM biomaterials to stimulate in situ tissue repair through chemotactic effects for the development of growth factor and cell-free tissue engineering strategies. The article also identifies the challenges and opportunities in developing sterilization and preservation methods applicable for decellularized biomaterials and grafts and their translation into clinical products. [Display omitted] •Decellularized tissue-/cell-derived non-immune biomaterials with tissue-specific microenvironment, structure and mechanics•Decellularized grafts potential to stimulate in situ tissue regeneration through chemotactic effects and presence of native GFs.•The use of dECM biomaterials as “Tissue-Inks” for the bio-fabrication of engineered grafts.•Sterilization/preservation importance and need to establish Good Manufacturing Practice standards for clinical translation•Highlights recent developments, contemporary challenges, and decellularized-based grafts for regenerative therapies.