Nature-Inspired Macromolecular Biocomposites Based on Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifaceted network that encases cells, composed of various polysaccharides, proteins, and adhesion molecules, etc. It plays a critical role in providing structural support to cells and regulating essential cellular activities such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Due to these functions, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has attracted considerable interest in biomedicine and holds promising application potential. However, simple dECM materials are often insufficient to meet the diverse demands of different physiological or pathological microenvironments. Recently, composite materials made from biomaterials and dECM have emerged as a solution, significantly enhancing the biological functions and clinical applicability of dECM. By using different material preparation techniques, these composite materials can be endowed with specific properties, enabling them to better meet the requirements of various biomedical applications. In this review, the preparation techniques for various dECM-based composite biomaterials, including physical crosslinking, chemical modification, 3D printing, and electrospinning, are summarized. Different types of dECM-based composites are also classified, and their biological and material properties are discussed, highlighting their suitability for specific biomedical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the development and clinical translation of dECM-based biomaterials, from preparation to application.