Natural Extracellular Matrix for Cellular and Tissue Biomanufacturing

Abstract

Natural extracellular matrices (ECM) derived from native tissues or cultured cells are extensively employed to fabricate biocompatible scaffolds or living tissue constructs for the application in cellular and tissue engineering. The composition and structure of ECM are not only heterogeneous, but also tissue or cell specific. Recapitulating the unique cell or tissue niche, ECM-based products are promising to quickly integrate with host tissues and accelerate restoration of tissue function. A variety of natural ECM-based scaffolds and tissue constructs have been biomanufactured using different approaches. Native tissue derived ECM is typically grounded into powders that can be further processed into hybrid composites in the form of hydrogels, foams, nanofibers, and 3D-printed complex constructs. Cell-derived ECM follows different biomanufacturing methods. Usually, cells are seeded on a scaffold to deposit ECM resulting in ECM-ornamented materials. The employment of resolvable scaffolds and cell sheet engineering technique enables production of complex 3D constructs exclusively composed of ECM with/without cells. In order to enhance mechanical strength, in vivo stability, and biological performance of ECM-based products, cross-linking reagents or bioactive factors are often used for modification. The major focus of this article is to provide an overview of current biomanufacturing approaches that utilize either native tissue or cell-derived natural ECM in the field of cellular and tissue engineering. Furthermore, the existing challenges for translational application of ECM-based products and the potential resolutions are discussed.

New Insight into Natural Extracellular Matrix: Genipin Cross-Linked Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Extracellular Matrix Gel for Tissue Engineering

“…Furthermore, the delivery method of ECM gel with minimum invasive and uncomplicated procedures is beneficial for both patients and clinicians [ 19 ]. However, tissue-derived ECM has the risk of pathogen transfer and uncontrollable variability emerging from the age and the healthiness of individual donors [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Therefore, cell-derived ECMs, possessing an ideal niche with growth factors and complex fibrillar proteins for cell attachment and growth without the risk of pathogen transfer, are utilized as an alternative source of ECM in tissue engineering [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Moreover, cell-derived ECMs can avoid uncontrollable variability by selecting necessary cell sources, culture media, and culture systems [ 20 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…Therefore, cell-derived ECMs, possessing an ideal niche with growth factors and complex fibrillar proteins for cell attachment and growth without the risk of pathogen transfer, are utilized as an alternative source of ECM in tissue engineering [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Moreover, cell-derived ECMs can avoid uncontrollable variability by selecting necessary cell sources, culture media, and culture systems [ 20 , 23 , 24 ]. Presently, cell-derived ECMs are obtained from fibroblast [ 25 ], chondrocytes, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) [ 21 ], and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) [ 26 ] using different decellularization methods.…”

Bioactive polydimethylsiloxane surface for optimal human mesenchymal stem cell sheet culture

“…Pioneered by Okano group, cell sheet engineering is an effective technology to create cell-dense constructs with preserved extracellular matrix (ECM) contents [ 3 ]. Those ECM biomacromolecules are bioactive, and can be tailored to have unique properties by employing specific cell types [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Quantification of Visco-Elastic Properties of a Matrigel for Organoid Development as a Function of Polymer Concentration

“…The major components of the ECM include water, proteins, and polysaccharides and different types of ECMs for cell culturing are commercially available, extracted from different types of tissue using different protocols [27][28][29]. ECM preparations of particular viscoelastic properties can be produced with different compositions by including a variety of proteins and biopolymers.…”