Decellularizing Bone Tissue: Various Protocols Publisher



Emami A¹ ; Izadi E² Show Affiliations
Source: Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine Published:2024

Abstract

Abstract: Bone defects resulting from trauma, disease, or surgical resection present significant challenges in clinical treatment, necessitating advanced reconstruction strategies. Engineered bone graft scaffolds have shown promise in supporting tissue regeneration, but their clinical efficacy and safety remain critical priorities. Decellularization of bone tissue offers a unique approach by creating a biologically compatible scaffold through the removal of cellular components while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for cell attachment and growth. This article reviews various decellularization methods, including physical, chemical, and enzymatic approaches, and evaluates their effects on tissue type, ECM integrity, and mechanical properties. Each method has distinct advantages and limitations that influence scaffold quality and applicability. Furthermore, the article discusses sterilization techniques essential for decellularized bone, which are critical for preventing infection without compromising scaffold integrity. This review aims to provide insights into optimizing decellularization and sterilization protocols, thereby advancing the development of safe and effective bone graft scaffolds for clinical applications. Lay Summary: Bone defects caused by injury, disease, or surgery are a significant challenge in medicine, requiring advanced strategies to repair or replace damaged bone. One promising solution is the use of engineered bone grafts, which are designed to support the regeneration of new bone tissue. However, for these grafts to be safe and effective in patients, they need to be both biologically compatible and able to integrate well with the body’s own tissues. One innovative approach to creating better bone grafts is called decellularization. This process removes the living cells from bone tissue while preserving the essential structural framework, known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides a scaffold for new cells to grow. The decellularized bone can then be used as a scaffold for repairing bone defects, offering a natural environment for bone regeneration. This article reviews different methods of decellularizing bone, including physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques. Each method has its own strengths and challenges, affecting how well the ECM is preserved and how strong the final scaffold is. It also looks at the important role of sterilization in decellularized bone grafts. Sterilization is crucial to ensure the grafts are free from bacteria or other harmful microbes, but it must be done carefully so that the graft's structure and quality are not damaged in the process. The review highlights the need for optimized protocols in both decellularization and sterilization to improve the safety and effectiveness of bone grafts. By refining these methods, scientists hope to develop better bone grafts that can help heal bone defects in patients more reliably and safely. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Regenerative Engineering Society 2024.