Preservation of extracellular matrix in decellularized bone scaffolds: Strategies, challenges, and future directions

The decellularization of bone tissue is a promising approach for generating scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The primary objective of decellularization is to remove cellular components while preserving the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is crucial for the scaffold's ability to support bone regeneration. The ECM in bone tissue provides essential biochemical and mechanical cues that regulate cell behavior and facilitate osteogenesis. This review discusses the importance of ECM preservation in decellularized bone scaffolds, explores current strategies to optimize ECM retention, and highlights the challenges and future directions in the field. By focusing on the preservation of key ECM components such as collagen, GAGs, and mineral content, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in bone scaffold development.