A Method for Fabricating Tissue-Specific Extracellular Matrix Blocks From Decellularized Tissue Powders

Decellularized tissues retain the extracellular matrix (ECM), shape, and composition that are unique to the source tissue. Previous studies using decellularized tissue lysates and powders have shown that tissue-specific ECM plays a key role in cellular function and wound healing. However, creating decellularized tissues composed of tissue-specific ECM with customizable shapes and structures for use as scaffolding materials remains challenging. In this study, a method for compacting decellularized tissue powder into blocks is developed using cold isostatic pressing (CIP). Custom-shaped ECM blocks and composite ECM blocks are fabricated using silicone molds. Additionally, an ECM block with a two-layer structure is obtained through a two-step CIP process. Cells are observed to infiltrate porous ECM blocks that are created using sodium chloride and transglutaminase. These results highlight the development of an effective method for producing ECM blocks using CIP with customizable shapes, compositions, and structures, making them suitable for use as cell culture scaffolds.