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
Applications include decellularized scaffolds for skin, tendon, heart, liver, lung, and vascular grafts. Commercially available decellularized
Challenges include potential loss or alteration of ECM components during processing, residual detergents or DNA that