Chapter 42 – Decellularized Whole Organ Scaffolds for the Regeneration of Kidneys

Decellularized extracellular matrix has long been applied as a scaffold material in tissue engineering. Recent investigation into decellularized whole solid organs has shown that the remaining extracellular matrix preserves the underlying architecture and protein organization inherent to the tissue. Decellularized whole organ scaffolds are of particular interest to renal regeneration owing to the complex nature of the kidneys because the extracellular matrix contains intact vascular and tubular networks. This chapter summarizes recent developments in whole organ scaffolds for kidney regeneration.