Figure 2.

Classification of dECM scaffolds. (a) Native tissue-derived dECM scaffolds for tissue engineering. The organ (e.g., porcine heart, cadaveric heart) is harvested from the donor and undergoes the process of decellularization. This step involves the removal of the cellular components, leaving only the ECM, which maintains the organ’s composition, architecture, and mechanical properties. Then, the decellularized scaffold is repopulated with progenitor cells. The recellularized construct can be transplanted into patients after extensive evaluation of its functionality. (b) Cultured cell-derived dECM scaffolds for tissue engineering. Cells from different tissues innately generate matrices that mimic the relative composition of the natural tissue ECM. Once sufficient ECM has been deposited, the cellular component can be removed through a combination of decellularization treatments. Subsequently, cells from other sources are reseeded onto the dECM scaffolds to generate bioengineered grafts. Created with BioRender.com.