Optimizing the biofabrication process of omentum-based scaffolds for engineering autologous tissues

Omentum-based matrices fabricated by decellularization have the potential to serve as autologous scaffolds for tissue engineering. Transplantation of such scaffolds prepared from the patient's own biomaterial may reduce the immunogenic response after transplantation. Recently we reported on the potential of the decellularized omentum to support the assembly of functional vascularized cardiac patches. Here we compared five distinct protocols for omentum decellularization, utilizing chemical, physical and biological processes. We analyzed the efficiency of cell removal, scaffold macro and micro structure, biochemical composition and the ability of seeded cells to attach and proliferate in the matrix. Moreover, we assessed the ability of the distinct scaffolds to promote the organization of cardiac tissue.