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Comparison of methods for whole-organ decellularization in tissue engineering of bioartificial organs
1Department of Bioengineering and Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. m.he10@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract:
Organ transplantation is now a well-established procedure for the treatment of end-stage organ failure due to various causes, but is a victim of its own success in that there is a growing disparity in numbers between the donor organ pool available for transplantation and the patients eligible for such a procedure; hence, an alternative solution to the limited donor organ pool is both desirable and necessary. Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and life sciences toward the development of functional replacement tissues for clinical use. A recent innovation in tissue and organ engineering is the technique of whole-organ decellularization, which allows the production of complex three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds of the entire organ with preservation of the intrinsic vascular network. These bioscaffolds can then be recellularized to create potentially functional organ constructs as a regenerative medicine strategy for organ replacement. We review the current applications and methods in using xenogeneic whole-organ ECM scaffolds to create potentially functional bioartificial organ constructs for surgical implantation, and present a comparison of specific trends within this new and developing technique.
Insights
Whole-organ decellularization creates extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds for tissue engineering. Recellularizing these xenogeneic scaffolds offers a promising regenerative medicine strategy for organ replacement, addressing donor organ shortages.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Organ transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage organ failure.
- A significant shortage of donor organs exists, creating a disparity between available organs and patient need.
- Alternative strategies for organ replacement are essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current applications and methods of using xenogeneic whole-organ extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds.
- To explore the potential of these scaffolds in creating functional bioartificial organs.
- To compare trends in this developing field of regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Whole-organ decellularization to produce complex 3D ECM bioscaffolds.
- Preservation of the intrinsic vascular network within the ECM bioscaffold.
- Recellularization of decellularized scaffolds to generate organ constructs.
Main Results:
- Decellularization yields intricate ECM bioscaffolds with preserved vascular architecture.
- Recellularization offers a pathway to create bioartificial organs for transplantation.
- Xenogeneic ECM scaffolds represent a viable strategy for regenerative medicine.
Conclusions:
- Whole-organ decellularization and recellularization is a key innovation in tissue and organ engineering.
- This technique provides a potential solution to the critical shortage of donor organs.
- Further research and development in xenogeneic ECM scaffold applications are warranted.
