The Use of Decellularized Animal Tissues in Regenerative Therapies

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells are nonhematopoietic cells found in the adipose tissue that have multipotent characteristics. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, including osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic phenotypes. Because of their high degree of plasticity and ease of isolation, they have a great potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Tissue engineering, using cells, soluble matriks-bound factors and supporting scaffolds, is a promising approach for regeneration, repairing and replacement of malfunctioning tissues and organs. Three-dimensional scaffolds are essential to serve as an adhesive substrate for the transplanted cells and a physical support to guide the formation of new tissues or organs. Particularly, the use of extracellular matrices prepared by decellularized whole tissue and organ as three-dimensional constructs have drawn increasing attention as a tissue engineering strategy. In this context, it is expected that investigating the cellular behaviour of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on decellularized whole tissue and organ will have a positive impact on regenerative medicine. This review offers a current perspective about decellularization of animal tissues, stem cells' behaviors on obtained matrices and potential use of these matrices in human and/or animal clinic.