Natural acellular matrices obtained from decellularization procedures are biocompatible and non-immunogenic materials considered promising tools for regenerative medicine purposes. Before in vivo implantation, these matrices must be efficiently decellularized, removing all the cellular components to avoid any immunogenic reaction. At the same time, it is important to maintain the original three-dimensional structure of the specific tissue. Here we describe a method: (1) to decellularize mouse quadriceps using a detergent-enzymatic treatment (DET) and (2) to assess decellularization efficiency and scaffold properties.
Keywords: Decellularization; Extracellular matrix; Mouse skeletal muscle; Tissue engineering; Volumetric muscle loss.