Naturally Derived Biomaterials: An Overview

Abstract

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network with multiple functions during tissue regeneration. Precisely, the properties of ECM have been thoroughly used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research, aiming to restore the function of damaged or dysfunctional tissues. One of the most promising techniques for tissue and organ regeneration is decellularization, in which the ECM is isolated from its native tissues in order to produce a natural scaffold. The ECM ideally retains its inherent structural, biochemical, and biomechanical cues and can be decellularized to produce a functional tissue or organ. While decellularization can be accomplished using chemical and enzymatic, physical, or a combination of these methods, each strategy has its benefits and drawbacks. A biological scaffold from ECM can be produced by a variety of decellularization methods whose caveat consists in efficiently eliminating cells from the treated tissue. Preservation of the ECM matrix ultrastructure is highly desirable because of its unique architecture, contained growth factors, and decreased immunological response. All of these properties provide attachment sites and adequate environment for the cells colonizing this scaffold, reconstituting the decellularized organ. Tissue decellularization is gaining momentum as a technique to obtain potentially implantable decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) with well-preserved key components. The chapter briefly describes different decellularization methods, evaluates these protocols, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in terms of their ability to retain desired ECM characteristics for particular tissues and organs.Key wordsExtracellular matrixNaturally derived biomaterialsScaffoldsChemical decellularizationDetergentCell lysisRegenerative medicine