Development and Characterization of Decellularized Lung Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

1 Our aim is to develop an organotypic lung tissue model. 2 Therefore, we have optimized the decellularization 3 of bovine lung tissue 4 and reconstitution of lung extracellular matrix hydrogels. 5 In this study, 6 we seek to understand the effect 7 of different decellularization methods 8 on the biochemical and mechanical characteristics 9 of reconstituted lung hydrogels.

10 One of the main challenges of decellularization protocols11 is achieving mechanical stability 12 in reconstitute hydrogels, 13 which requires an understanding 14 of the effects of decellularization 15 on mechanical properties. 16 These properties, such as stiffness and viscoelasticity, 17 have crucial effects on cellular behaviors. 18 We have established methodologies19 that effectively decellularize the bovine lung, 20 yielding reproducible lung hydrogels 21 that demonstrate noteworthy analogies 22 with the extracellular matrix of the human lung.

23 Therefore, there is substantial promise 24 in utilizing native lung dECM hydrogels 25 for the purpose of disease modeling 26 in the context of the lung. 27 We engineered tissues28 to model homeostatic and disease conditions 29 with a particular focus on cell matrix interactions. 30 Therefore, we're interested in understanding the role 31 of organotypic extracellular matrices, 32 both in terms of unique content and mechanical aspects 33 on cell behavior.

34 Our current research focuses on building biomimetic, 35 patient-specific organoid models of cancer.