REVIEW article

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

Sec. Biomaterials

Volume 13 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1621641

Application of Decellularization Methods for Scaffold Production: Advantages, Disadvantages, Biosafety and Modifications

Provisionally accepted
Olha Ihorivna ShevchukOlha Ihorivna Shevchuk1,2Veronika Volodymyrivna KorchevaVeronika Volodymyrivna Korcheva2Nataliia Sergiivna MoskalenkoNataliia Sergiivna Moskalenko2Vitalii KyrykVitalii Kyryk3*Kateryna KotKateryna Kot1Dmytro Serhiiovych KrasnienkovDmytro Serhiiovych Krasnienkov2
  • 1V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
  • 2D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
  • 3Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, National Scientific Center, M.D. Stazhesko Institute of Cardiology, Clinical and Regenerative Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

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The development of efficient, biocompatible scaffolds is an actual challenge in tissue engineering. Scaffolds derived from animal sources offer promising structural and biochemical properties but require thorough decellularization to minimize immunogenicity and maintain extracellular matrix integrity. Effective decellularization requires a synergistic combination of methods to ensure complete removal of immunogenic cellular components while preserving critical extracellular matrix elements such as glycosaminoglycans, collagens, and growth factors. This review covers the application of some decellularization methods (physical, chemical) in scaffold production, highlighting their respective advantages, limitations, and biosafety considerations. Moreover, the importance of scaffold sterilization: both physical techniques like gamma irradiation and chemical agents – are mentioned for their efficacy and cytotoxic risks. Furthermore, scaffold modifications, particularly recellularization strategies, are discussed as key enhancements to improve biocompatibility and functional integration. Overall, the selection and optimization of decellularization protocols are crucial for the safe and effective clinical implementation of bioengineered scaffolds.

Keywords: Scaffold, Decellularization, Biocompatibility, Scaffold modification, Non-animal scaffold production

Received: 01 May 2025; Accepted: 06 Jun 2025.

Copyright: © 2025 Shevchuk, Korcheva, Moskalenko, Kyryk, Kot and Krasnienkov. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Vitalii Kyryk, Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, National Scientific Center, M.D. Stazhesko Institute of Cardiology, Clinical and Regenerative Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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