Application of decellularized tissue for soft-hard interregional regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Decellularized tissue, derived from extracellular matrix (ECM), is utilized for tissue regeneration.
• Clinical applications include dermal, bladder, and intestinal matrices as covering and prosthetic materials.
• Growing interest exists in using decellularized tissue for soft-hard interregional tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the regeneration of soft-hard interregional tissue using decellularized tissue.
• To discuss the application of decellularized tissues in ligament-bone, tendon-bone, and periodontal ligament-bone interfaces.
• To highlight the importance of mechanical properties in these applications.

Main Methods:

• Decellularization of various tissues (ligaments, tendons, pericardium) to obtain ECM.
• Focus on methods preserving shape and mechanical properties of decellularized tissues.
• Fabrication and modification of decellularized soft tissues with hard tissue components to mimic native structures.

Main Results:

• Decellularized ligaments and tendons have been developed and applied orthotopically or ectopically.
• Regeneration at the ligament-bone interface is proposed to occur via *in situ* tissue regeneration (host cell migration and rearrangement).
• Decellularized tissues can be engineered to create complex soft-hard interregional tissue structures.

Conclusions:

• Decellularized tissue holds significant potential for regenerating soft-hard interregional tissues.
• The mechanical integrity of decellularized materials is crucial for successful integration.
• Engineered decellularized constructs can replicate the gradual transition found in native soft-hard interfaces.