decellulized

Decellulized refers to tissue or tissue-derived products that have undergone decellularization, a process that removes cellular material while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM). The resulting scaffold is intended to support recellularization by host or graft cells and to provide structural and biochemical cues for tissue regeneration. Decellularization is used in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and organ research as an approach to reduce immunogenicity compared with whole, unprocessed tissues.

Methods combine physical, chemical, and enzymatic steps. Physical approaches include agitation, pressure, or freeze–thaw cycles; chemical agents such as detergents (sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100) and solvents; enzymatic treatment with nucleases to remove DNA and RNA. The goal is complete removal of cellular material while preserving ECM architecture (collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans) and mechanical properties. Quality assessment typically requires low residual DNA (often cited as less than 50 nanograms per milligram of dry weight), short DNA fragments (under 200 base pairs), absence of intact cells, and preservation of ECM constituents.

Applications include decellularized scaffolds for skin, tendon, heart, liver, lung, and vascular grafts. Commercially available decellularized materials include acellular dermal matrices used in reconstructive surgery and various ECM scaffolds used in research and clinical contexts. Recipients may recellularize the scaffold with their own cells, promoting integration and healing.

Challenges include potential loss or alteration of ECM components during processing, residual detergents or DNA that can provoke inflammation, batch-to-batch variability, and the effects of sterilization on matrix properties. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and product type, with decellularized ECM often regulated as medical devices, biologics, or combination products depending on intended use.