Decellularized extracellular matrix: Advanced bioplatforms for functional tissue restoration via innovative decellularization techniques

In recent years, tissue engineering has experienced rapid development, with bioscaffolds emerging as a focal point of research due to their favorable bioactivity, biocompatibility, and capacity to provide mechanical support for cellular growth. The bioscaffolds have great potential in tissue regeneration. However, conventional natural scaffolds and polymer scaffolds pose risks of immunogenicity, while also face challenges in mimicking the in vivo microenvironment and the biochemical and mechanical properties of natural organs/tissues, which collectively limit their repair capability. The development of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) technology offers a viable solution to these challenges, demonstrating considerable potential for advancing organ and tissue regeneration. This reviews the classification of dECM, outlines various current methods for its preparation, and comprehensively examines its latest advances in tissue repair and regenerative medicine, including applications in skin, bone, nerve, heart, lung, liver, and kidney tissues. This review systematically examines recent advances in dECM production and regenerative medicine applications. We classify dECM subtypes, detail contemporary decellularization protocols, and highlight their biomedical utility. Superior biocompatibility substantially mitigates post-transplant immune rejection risk, underscoring strong clinical translation potential for tissue engineering.