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Open AccessReview
Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: Advances in Decellularization and Clinical Applications
by
Caijun Jin
Caijun Jin
,
Xinrui Zhang
Xinrui Zhang
Yongxun Jin
Yongxun Jin
Pham Ngoc Chien
Pham Ngoc Chien
Chan Yeong Heo
Chan Yeong Heo
1
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
2
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100383 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 6 September 2025
/
Revised: 1 October 2025
/
Accepted: 10 October 2025
/
Published: 12 October 2025
Abstract
Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds preserve native tissue structure and biochemical cues while minimizing immune responses, creating biomimetic templates that promote cell integration and tissue remodeling. This review examines the current state of dECM research, encompassing decellularization methods, scaffold quality evaluation assays, and tissue-specific applications across dermis, nerve, heart, lung, adipose, and placental ECMs. We analyze commercially available dECM products and ongoing clinical trials, while highlighting recent advances including 3D bioprinting and the integration of dECM with stem cells and growth factors. Despite these promising developments, several challenges continue to limit broader clinical translation: protocol standardization, residual immunogenicity, mechanical durability, and regulatory, manufacturing, and cost barriers. To address these limitations, we outline future directions focusing on patient-specific scaffolds, scalable bioprocessing, and integrated biofabrication strategies that will enable the development of safe and effective dECM-based therapies.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Jin, C.; Zhang, X.; Jin, Y.; Chien, P.N.; Heo, C.Y.
Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: Advances in Decellularization and Clinical Applications. J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16, 383.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100383
AMA Style
Jin C, Zhang X, Jin Y, Chien PN, Heo CY.
Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: Advances in Decellularization and Clinical Applications. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2025; 16(10):383.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100383
Chicago/Turabian Style
Jin, Caijun, Xinrui Zhang, Yongxun Jin, Pham Ngoc Chien, and Chan Yeong Heo.
2025. "Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: Advances in Decellularization and Clinical Applications" Journal of Functional Biomaterials 16, no. 10: 383.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100383
APA Style
Jin, C., Zhang, X., Jin, Y., Chien, P. N., & Heo, C. Y.
(2025). Acellular Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine: Advances in Decellularization and Clinical Applications. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 16(10), 383.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100383
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