| abstract |
The present invention provides a biotechnological extracellular matrix model derived from a decellularized Wharton's Jelly Matrix (DWJM), and a method of making and using the same. After decellularization, the DWJM is homogenized, frozen, and lyophilized in a mold to form a shaped skeleton having a substantially uniform pore size, pore distribution, and matrix component distribution, which will be trimmed and shaped to any desired size. I can. Bioengineered DWJM can maintain the stem cell properties of cultured cells, which is useful for screening for chemotherapy drugs targeting cancer, particularly cancer stem cell populations. Bioengineered DWJM has a matrix component similar to the bone hematopoietic niche, and is useful for expanding and maintaining hematopoietic stem cells as well as promoting bone regeneration and repair. |