Kidney-Derived ECM Hydrogels as Cell Delivery Devices.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge, as emphasized by its increasing prevalence and limited treatment options. Stem cell-based therapies are promising alternatives for CKD treatment. In particular, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have emerged as an attractive candidate cell source.

Decellularized kidney extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for renal tissue engineering.

Kidney regeneration is hindered by the limited pool of intrinsic reparative cells. Advanced therapies targeting renal regeneration have the potential to alleviate the clinical and financial burdens associated with kidney disease. Delivery systems for cells, extracellular vesicles, or growth factors aimed at enhancing regeneration can benefit from vehicles enabling targeted delivery and controlled release.

Decellularized kidney extracellular matrix bioinks recapitulate renal 3D microenvironment.

Decellularized extracellular matrices (ECMs) are able to provide the necessary and specific cues for remodeling and maturation of tissue-specific cells. Nevertheless, their use for typical biofabrication applications requires chemical modification or mixing with other polymers, mainly due to the limited viscoelastic properties. In this study, we hypothesize that a bioink exclusively based on decellularized kidney ECM (dKECM) could be used to bioprint renal progenitor cells.

Renal Regeneration: The Role of Extracellular Matrix and Current ECM-Based Tissue Engineered Strategies.

Natural extracellular matrices (ECM) are currently being studied as an alternative source for organ transplantation or as new solutions to treat kidney injuries, which can evolve to end-stage renal disease, a life devastating condition. This paper provides an overview on the current knowledge in kidney ECM and its usefulness on future investigations. The composition and structure of kidney ECM is herein associated with its intrinsic capacity of remodeling and repair after insult.