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Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...

The Extracellular Matrix

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In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms

Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms

Published on: April 11, 2017

Decellularized musculofascial extracellular matrix for tissue engineering.

Lina Wang¹, Joshua A Johnson, David W Chang

¹Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

|January 26, 2013

Summary

Researchers developed decellularized muscle (D-muscle) and fascia (D-fascia) scaffolds from pig tissue. These biocompatible scaffolds support cell growth and show promise for musculofascial tissue engineering and repair.

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Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms

Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms

Published on: April 11, 2017

Synthesis of Decellularized Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Synthesis of Decellularized Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Published on: July 21, 2023

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Tissue Engineering
Regenerative Medicine

Background:

Musculofascial tissue engineering requires scaffolds mimicking native extracellular matrix (ECM).
Limited characterization exists for large animal musculofascial ECM, especially fascia.
Pig composite musculofascial tissues offer a potential source for biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and characterize decellularized muscle (D-muscle) and decellularized fascia (D-fascia) from pig tissues.
To evaluate the biocompatibility and regenerative potential of these scaffolds.
To explore distinct clinical applications for D-muscle and D-fascia.

Main Methods:

A decellularization protocol was established for pig composite musculofascial tissues.
Decellularized muscle and fascia were characterized for structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties.
In vitro cell culture with human adipose-derived stem cells and in vivo implantation in rodents were performed.

Main Results:

D-muscle and D-fascia retained ECM architecture, mechanical strength, and key bioactive components (collagen, laminin, glycosaminoglycan, VEGF).
Scaffolds supported human adipose-derived stem cell integration and proliferation.
In vivo studies confirmed biocompatibility, myogenic potential, and pro-angiogenic properties of D-muscle and D-fascia.

Conclusions:

D-muscle and D-fascia exhibit distinct properties, with D-muscle showing pro-angiogenic/myogenic potential and D-fascia offering strong mechanical support.
These decellularized tissues represent a clinically translatable platform for musculofascial repair and regeneration.
The findings provide a standard for designing musculofascial tissue engineering scaffolds.