Title:Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Author(s): Sheng Yi, Fei Ding, Leiiei Gong and Xiaosong Gu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
The extracellular matrix, biological scaffold, microenviroment, tissue repair and regeneration, clinical application,
tissue engineering.
Abstract: The extracellular matrix is produced by the resident cells in tissues and organs, and secreted
into the surrounding medium to provide biophysical and biochemical support to the surrounding cells due
to its content of diverse bioactive molecules. Recently, the extracellular matrix has been used as a promising
approach for tissue engineering. Emerging studies demonstrate that extracellular matrix scaffolds are
able to create a favorable regenerative microenvironment, promote tissue-specific remodeling, and act as
an inductive template for the repair and functional reconstruction of skin, bone, nerve, heart, lung, liver,
kidney, small intestine, and other organs. In the current review, we will provide a critical overview of the
structure and function of various types of extracellular matrix, the construction of three-dimensional extracellular
matrix scaffolds, and their tissue engineering applications, with a focus on translation of these
novel tissue engineered products to the clinic. We will also present an outlook on future perspectives of
the extracellular matrix in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
