Whole-Organ Tissue Engineering: Decellularization and Recellularization of Three-Dimensional Matrix Scaffolds

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…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• AH
  American Heart Association
• SH
  Shriners Hospitals for Children
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• UF
  U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• NH
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• DO
  Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems