Decellularization techniques pave the way for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: a narrative review

Decellularization refers to the removal of cellular components from animal tissues or organs via specific methods to obtain an extracellular scaffold comprising an extracellular matrix. Physical, chemical, and biological methods can be used to remove cellular components from tissues or organs. The obtained decellularized extracellular matrix retains both the original structural framework and bioactive components and significantly reduces immune rejection. This is an ideal three-dimensional scaffold for cell growth and tissue repair. Despite the remarkable progress in decellularization technology, some challenges remain. For example, how to achieve efficient and uniform decellularization without compromising the integrity and bioactivity of the extracellular matrix, how to ensure that sterilization methods do not damage the structure and function of the decellularized extracellular matrix, and how to improve the clinical safety and efficacy of the decellularized extracellular matrix are important. This paper delves into various methods of decellularization, evaluation techniques of decellularized extracellular matrices, and their potential applications in multiple fields of organ regeneration, bio3D printing, and disease modeling, with a special emphasis on the critical role of decellularized extracellular matrices as bioinks in bio3D printing to support cell adhesion and differentiation, highlighting the significant value of decellularization technology in the construction of complex biological structures. The use of the extracellular matrix as a bioscaffold can better support cell growth and functional recovery. By optimizing the decellularization and sterilization processes, the performance of decellularized extracellular matrix can be further improved to advance its progress in clinical applications. In conclusion, the clinical application of decellularized extracellular matrix, which can be used for repairing damaged tissues, customizing personalized therapeutic solutions, and developing new drug testing platforms, is promising. Further research and application of decellularized extracellular matrix are expected to advance the development of regenerative medicine, thereby providing patients with safer and more effective treatment options.