Decellularization systems and devices: State-of-the-art

Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a natural biomaterial scaffold that provides biochemical and structural support to its surrounding cells, forming tissue and respective organs. These ECM proteins can be extracted from organs and tissues through decellularization, which is the process of removing cellular content and nuclear material from the organs to obtain decellularized ECM (dECM). dECM is a versatile and functional biomaterial that can be used as the base component of bioinks for rebuilding tissue and organs. Intact dECM of whole organs can be used as a scaffold for recellularization with human stem cells to produce a functioning organ. As decellularization is a relatively new lab process, the associated technologies and devices are largely non-standardized and only available in small, lab-specific scales. Additionally, there is a lack of standardized protocols to analyze the quality and consistency of harvested dECM for medical applications. This review discusses the relevant decellularization systems and devices currently available to facilitate further development of this process for larger scales with the intention to commercialize dECM materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a natural cocktail of biomaterials that provides biochemical and structural support to its surrounding cells. ECM proteins are extracted from organs and tissues through decellularization. Being a versatile and functional biomaterial, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is being used as base component of bioinks/hydrogels for rebuilding of tissue and organ constructs. Decellularization is a relatively new lab process with associated technologies/devices being largely non-standardized and only available in lab-specific scales. We discuss categories of decellularization systems and devices for the first time being used in academic and commercial settings. We highlight inherent challenges with the current systems and suggest possible solutions. We comment on further development of these processes for large-scale and commercial applications of dECM.

Keywords: Bioinks; Biomaterials; Decellularization; Extracellular matrix; Tissue engineering.