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Review
. 2011 Aug 15:13:27-53.
doi: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071910-124743.

Whole-organ tissue engineering: decellularization and recellularization of three-dimensional matrix scaffolds

Stephen F Badylak  1 , Doris Taylor, Korkut Uygun
Affiliations
Review

Whole-organ tissue engineering: decellularization and recellularization of three-dimensional matrix scaffolds

Stephen F Badylak et al. Annu Rev Biomed Eng. .

Abstract

The definitive treatment for end-stage organ failure is orthotopic transplantation. However, the demand for transplantation far exceeds the number of available donor organs. A promising tissue-engineering/regenerative-medicine approach for functional organ replacement has emerged in recent years. Decellularization of donor organs such as heart, liver, and lung can provide an acellular, naturally occurring three-dimensional biologic scaffold material that can then be seeded with selected cell populations. Preliminary studies in animal models have provided encouraging results for the proof of concept. However, significant challenges for three-dimensional organ engineering approach remain. This manuscript describes the fundamental concepts of whole-organ engineering, including characterization of the extracellular matrix as a scaffold, methods for decellularization of vascular organs, potential cells to reseed such a scaffold, techniques for the recellularization process and important aspects regarding bioreactor design to support this approach. Critical challenges and future directions are also discussed.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Dr. Taylor holds a financial interest in Miromatrix, Inc., and is entitled to sales royalties through the University of Minnesota for products related to the research described in this paper. This relationship has been reviewed and managed by the University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of techniques used to decellularize tissues and organs. Abbreviations: CHAPS, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate; EDTA, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid; EGTA, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reported perfusion protocols for decellularization of heart, liver, and lung. Abbreviations: DMEM, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium; EDTA, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid; FBS, fetal bovine serum; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Example of a decision algorithm for selecting the type of parenchymal or stem cells to be used for the recellularization of a three-dimensional matrix scaffold. Abbreviations: ESC, embryonic stem cell; iPSC, inducible pluripotent stem cell; SC, stem cell.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Example of a decision algorithm for selecting the type of nonparenchymal cell populations to be used in the reseeding of a three-dimensional matrix scaffold. Abbreviations: BM, bone marrow; iPSC, inducible pluripotent stem cell; MSC, marrow stromal cell; PB, peripheral blood.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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