Extracellular Matrix-derived Foam Fabrication via Lyophilization: A Procedure to Generate Biological Scaffolds from ECM of Decellularized Tissues

ECM-derived foams are highly porous scaffolds obtained using the extracellular matrix - a non-cellular component of the tissue microenvironment.

To fabricate an ECM-derived foam, begin by taking a homogenous suspension of ultra-fine ECM powder in a tube. Incubate the suspension at a warm temperature with constant agitation to prevent ECM clumping.

Next, using a syringe, transfer the liquified ECM suspension to the desired mold. Refrigerate the mold overnight for the ECM to solidify. The ECM solidifies to form a three-dimensional network structure.

Finally, place the solid ECM-containing mold into a lyophilizer flask. Connect the flask to a freeze dryer system. Inside the lyophilizer, the sample is subjected to an ultracold temperature and low pressure. This results in the formation of ice crystals in the interstitial spaces of the ECM network.

In due course, the pressure and the temperature of the lyophilizer rise gradually. These conditions facilitate sublimation - a process in which the solid directly converts to its gaseous form rather than undergoing melting.

The gaseous vapors evaporate, leaving behind empty spaces inside the ECM network, thereby generating a porous ECM-derived scaffold.