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.
Read more