The Decellularization of Tissues

Decellularized tissues have a wide range of applications as implantable biomaterials and/or bioscaffolds for tissue repair and show good clinical performance. Decellularized tissue characteristics, such as its shape, structure, mechanical properties, and biological activity, are strongly influenced by the decellularization methods. Physical, chemical, and biological methods or a combination of these approaches can be used to lyse cells and then rinse to remove cell residues. Making informed choices about the agents and techniques used in the decellularization can prepare the decellularized tissue preserving extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity and bioactivity. An overview of traditional and emerging decellularization methods, the effective decellularization index, and the subsequent cleaning and sterilization are presented herein. Meanwhile, the effect of ineffective decellularization and the effect of decellularization process on the performance of decellularized tissues are discussed.