====== Acellular matrix ======

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An acellular matrix is a type of [[scaffold]] or structure that is used in various biological and medical applications. It refers to a [[matrix]] that has been stripped of its cellular components, leaving behind the [[extracellular matrix]] (ECM). The ECM is the non-cellular part of tissues and organs, providing structural and biochemical support to the cells that reside within it.

Acellular matrices are commonly used in [[tissue engineering]], [[wound healing]], and [[regenerative medicine]] because they provide a natural, biocompatible environment for cells to grow and regenerate without the risk of immune rejection that might come from using whole tissue. These matrices can be derived from various biological sources, such as animal tissues (e.g., decellularized heart, liver, or skin tissues) or synthetic materials.

In tissue engineering, acellular matrices are often used as a scaffold for cell attachment and growth, where the matrix provides structural support while the cells populate the scaffold and potentially regenerate damaged tissue.
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A study explores the [[efficacy]] of a [[neural graft]] constructed using [[adipose mesenchymal stem cell]]s (ADSC), acellular microtissues (MTs), and [[chitosan]] in the treatment of [[peripheral nerve defect]]s.

[[Stem cell therapy]] with acellular MTs provided a suitable [[microenvironment]] for [[axonal regeneration]] and compensated for the lack of repair cells in the neural ducts of male 8-week-old [[Sprague Dawley rat]]s.

[[In vitro]], acellular MTs retained the intrinsic [[extracellular matrix]] and improved the narrow microstructure of acellular nerves, thereby enhancing cell functionality. In vivo, neuroelectrophysiological studies, gait analysis, and [[sciatic nerve]] histology demonstrated the regenerative effects of active acellular MT. The Chitosan + Acellular-MT + ADSC group exhibited superior myelin sheath quality and improved neurological and motor function recovery.

Active acellular-MTs pre-cellularized with ADSC hold promise as a safe and effective clinical treatment method for peripheral nerve defects
((Zhang Z, Li M, Cheng G, Wang P, Zhou C, Liu Y, Duan X, Wang J, Xie F, Zhu Y, Zhang J. A [[chitosan]]/[[acellular matrix]]-based [[neural graft]] carrying [[mesenchymal stem cell]]s to promote [[peripheral nerve repair]]. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2024 Dec 31;15(1):503. doi: 10.1186/s13287-024-04093-5. PMID: 39736729.)).
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The study on the chitosan/acellular matrix-based neural graft carrying mesenchymal stem cells presents a promising approach for enhancing peripheral nerve repair. The combination of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and acellular microtissues (MTs) encapsulated in chitosan scaffolds demonstrated positive outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo models, showing improved nerve regeneration, myelin sheath quality, and functional recovery. These results suggest that this innovative graft could provide a potential solution for treating peripheral nerve defects.

However, the study's impact is limited by certain weaknesses, such as the lack of detailed control groups, short-term follow-up, and insufficient mechanistic insights into the regeneration process. Further studies, including long-term evaluations, larger sample sizes, and a more thorough understanding of the cellular mechanisms, are necessary to confirm the clinical applicability and safety of this approach in humans. Despite these limitations, the study lays a promising foundation for future research in [[regenerative medicine]] and [[peripheral nerve repair]].