Gall bladder-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) with adequate bioactive molecules, capable of supporting the growth of cells participating in regeneration, is an ideal graft suitable for wound healing application. The ECM isolated from certain mammalian organs and tissues have been found to have these essential biocomponents that support cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. These scaffolds are naturally rich in collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, laminin, and fibronectin on which the cells can migrate, attach, and grow. In addition, many of the bioactive degradation products released from the graft at the site of the grafting mimic growth factors required for healing. The ECM is also known to aid angiogenesis by regulating the migration, proliferation, and sustenance of endothelial cells. Intact decellularized allogenic/xenogenic ECM has the necessary requisites to provide for initial requirements of repair and subsequent remodeling. Hence, ECM is correctly termed as nature’s ideal scaffold material. The decellularization specifically removes cellular components that give rise to a residual immunological response. These decellularization techniques include chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical means of removing cellular components, leaving a material composed essentially of ECM components. The decellularized tissues are expected to mimic closely the complex three-dimensional structure and mechanical properties of the native tissues from where it origins. One of the major goals in using natural biodegradable materials is to induce the host, to replace the implanted construct with native tissue. Cholecyst-derived ECM (CEM) recovered from ECM of porcine gall bladder had variable application in the field of regenerative medicine. This CEM found to be a novel acellular proteinaceous biodegradable biomaterial and may have potential applications as scaffolds in heart valve tissue engineering. This matrix is rich in collagen and contains several other macromolecules useful in tissue remodeling. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.