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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Epithelial Cell Repopulation and Preparation of Rodent Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Renal Tissue Development
Published on: August 10, 2015
Decellularized kidney extracellular matrix bioinks recapitulate renal 3D microenvironmentin vitro
Rita Sobreiro-Almeida1,2, Manuel Gómez-Florit1,2, Rita Quinteira1,2
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.
This study developed a novel bioink from decellularized kidney extracellular matrix (dKECM) for bioprinting renal progenitor cells. The dKECM bioink supports cell viability and promotes tissue development, showing potential for regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Decellularized extracellular matrices (ECMs) offer tissue-specific cues but often require modification for biofabrication due to poor viscoelastic properties.
- Developing suitable bioinks is crucial for creating functional tissue analogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of an unmodified decellularized kidney ECM (dKECM) bioink for bioprinting renal progenitor cells.
- To optimize a biofabrication strategy using dKECM for renal tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Porcine kidneys were decellularized, lyophilized, and digested to create a dKECM solution.
- Bioprinting was optimized using an agarose microparticle support bath with transglutaminase for dKECM crosslinking.
- Primary renal progenitor cells were encapsulated within the dKECM bioink.
Main Results:
- The dKECM bioink facilitated bioprinting with high resolution and structural integrity.
- Encapsulated renal progenitor cells exhibited high viability and formed complex 3D structures.
- The dKECM matrix influenced cellular growth and differentiation over time.
Conclusions:
- Unmodified dKECM bioinks are suitable for bioengineering renal tissue analogs.
- This approach shows promise for translational applications in regenerative medicine and in vitro models.
- The strategy may be applicable to other tissues for developing bioengineered substitutes.
