Biocompatible Human Placental Extracellular Matrix Derived Hydrogels

Abstract Solubilizing extracellular matrix (ECM) materials and transforming them into hydrogels has expanded their potential applications both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, hydrogels are prepared by decellularization of human placental tissue using detergent and enzymes and by the subsequent creation of a homogenized acellular placental tissue powder (P‐ECM). A perfusion‐based decellularization approach is employed using detergent and enzymes. The P‐ECM with and without gamma irradiation is then utilized to prepare P‐ECM hydrogels. Physical and biological evaluations are conducted to assess the suitability of the P‐ECM hydrogels for biocompatibility. The decellularized tissue has significantly reduced cellular content and retains the major ECM proteins. Increasing the concentration of P‐ECM leads to improved mechanical properties of the P‐ECM hydrogels. The biocompatibility of the P‐ECM hydrogel is demonstrated through cell proliferation and viability assays. Notably, gamma‐sterilized P‐ECM does not support the formation of a stable hydrogel. Nonetheless, the use of HCl during the digestion process effectively decreases spore growth and bacterial bioburden. The study demonstrates that P‐ECM hydrogels exhibit physical and biological attributes conducive to soft tissue reconstruction. These hydrogels establish a favorable microenvironment for cell growth and the need for investigating innovative sterilization methods.