Wharton’s jelly matrix decellularization for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Scaffolds, both natural and synthetic, used in tissue engineering provide mechanical support to cells. Tissue decellularization has been used to provide natural extracellular matrix scaffolds for tissue engineering purposes. In this chapter we focus on describing the methodology used to decellularize Wharton’s jelly matrix, the mucous connective tissue that surrounds umbilical cord vessels, to obtain decellularized Wharton’s jelly matrix (DWJM); an extracellular matrix that can be used for tissue engineering purposes. We also, briefly, describe our experience with processing DWJM for cell seeding and recellularization.