Biologic Scaffolds Composed of Extracellular Matrix for Regenerative Medicine

Mammalian biologic scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) contain countless structural and functional moieties that have been shown to be necessary for tissue development, homeostasis, and response to injury. Biologic scaffold materials are employed in clinical medicine and their use will likely expand as regenerative medicine strategies evolve. This chapter discusses the generation and use of biologic scaffold materials for regenerative medicine applications with a focus on ECM scaffolds. The biologic properties and known functions of the individual components of the ECM, the generation of three-dimensional whole-organ scaffolds, and the federal regulation of biologic scaffolds are also discussed.