Research progress of decellularization and application in tissue engineering

Objective: To review the decellularized methods for obtaining extracellular matrix (ECM) and the applications of decellularized ECM scaffold in tissue engineering.

Methods: Recent and related literature was extensively and comprehensively reviewed. The decellularized methods were summarized and classified. The effects of different sterilization methods on decellularized scaffolds were analyzed; the evaluation criterion of extent of decellularization was put forward; and the application ofdecellularized ECM scaffold in different tissues and organs engineering field was summarized.

Results: The decellularized methods mainly include physical methods, chemical methods, and biological methods, and different decellularization methods have different effects on the extent of cell removal and ECM composition and structure. Therefore, the best decellularization method will be chosen according to the characteristics of the tissues and decellularization methods to achieve the ideal result.

Conclusions: It is very important to choose the appropriate decellularized method for preparing the biological materials desired by tissue engineering. The biological scaffolds prepared by decellularized methods will play an important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.