Decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) from mammalian tissues and organs as scaffolds have revolutionized tissue engineering by their ability to retain chemical compositions and three-dimensional microstructures that are similar to native ECMs. These bioscaffolds are subsequently repopulated with patient‐derived cells, thus constructing a personalized neo‐organ and ideally eliminating the need for immunosuppression. The technique of de‐ and recellularization has achieved substantial advances in the field of organ bioengineering.
Among different organs and tissues, whole heart tissue engineering has remained a challenge due to its architecture and biochemistry. The field of whole heart tissue engineering has been revolutionized since the 2008 publication of the first perfusion-decellularized whole heart. A decellularized heart composed of native extracellular matrix has been shown to offer a complex, unique, and natural scaffold that provides both physical and chemical cues required for cardiac function.
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