ABSTRACT
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex mixture of structural and functional proteins that are arranged in a unique, three-dimensional ultrastructure that is specific to each tissue and organ. These proteins serve many functions, including the provision of structural support and tensile strength, provide attachment sites for cell surface receptors, and act as a reservoir for cell signaling factors that modulate diverse host processes such as angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, cell migration, cell proliferation and orientation, inflammation, immune responsiveness, and wound healing. Stated differently, the ECM is a vital, dynamic, and indispensable component of all tissues and organs and is nature’s natural scaffold for tissue and organ morphogenesis, maintenance, and reconstruction following injury. For these very reasons, the ECM is an excellent scaffold for tissue engineering applications. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to recreate the ECM by synthetic methods. Therefore, ECM scaffolds must be prepared by processes that utilize a mammalian-usually xenogeneic-tissue source and methods that produce an acellular, sterile device for medical and surgical applications.
