Light-activated decellularized extracellular matrix biomaterials: Advances, applications, and clinical prospects

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) biomaterials and hydrogels have drawn particular attention for tissue development and regeneration of injured or diseased tissues/organs owing to their intrinsic tissue-specific biochemical cues. However, these biomaterials face serious challenges regarding their mechanical strength, structural stability, fast degradation, and difficult handling. These shortcomings indeed alleviate their therapeutic functions as tissue substitutes. Modifying dECM biomaterials with light-responsive agents enables them to establish covalent crosslinks upon UV or visible light exposure. This review aims to elaborate on the current status of photocrosslinking techniques and methodologies applied for dECMs and the underlying mechanisms of action. Herein, we also elucidate the application of light-activated dECM biomaterials in the engineering and regeneration of soft and hard tissues, implantable bioprostheses, translational medicine, disease or tumor modeling, and drug screening platforms. Moreover, the recent advances in the processability of photocrosslinked dECM bioinks for 3D bioprinting scaffolds and tissue-engineered constructs (TECs) with a focus on their bio-functionality are covered. Finally, the current challenges of light-activated dECM biomaterials and potential solutions to address these issues and pave the way for translational medicine are elaborated. The review concludes that the applicability of the light-activated dECM biomaterials holds great promise as a patient-specific healthcare solution.