Decellularized extracellular matrix for three-dimensional bioprinted in vitro disease modeling

Precise in vitro models in tissue engineering have attracted the attention of researchers seeking to understand physiological consequences from native tissues as well as the mechanism of diseases in vitro. To construct delicate native tissue-like in vitro models, a proper combination of biomimetic materials and a biofabrication strategy is required. Conventional biomaterials, such as collagens, laminins, and synthetic polymers, have been widely adapted in tissue recapitulation; however, they lack tissue specificity in the context of biophysical properties and native-like extracellular matrix composition. The lack of tissue specificity accounts for the pathophysiological discrepancy between preclinical model and actual human patient. Thus, biomaterials should be improved for attaining physiological similarity between disease models and patients. Additionally, a biofabrication technique is essential for building mature cellular or tissue structures with a sophisticated bioassembly process. Among the biofabrication techniques, bioprinting stands as a promising approach for constructing three-dimensional (3D) cellular structures using specific cell types and biomaterials. Combining multifunctional bioinks and bioprinting is expected to enhance tissue specificity with regard to structural recapitulation. From this viewpoint, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) bioink has been increasingly used to achieve tissue specificity and manufacturability in 3D bioprinting. Progress in this domain requires the clarification of tissue-specific decellularization method and the development of a proper 3D bioprinting method, in conjunction with the improvement of the compatibility between dECM and bioprinting. In this review, we introduce the production methods and characteristics of dECM in the context of tissue specificity and examine state-of-the-art dECM-incorporated 3D-bioprinted in vitro models for disease investigation. We also recommend a strategy for improving dECM for use in therapeutic studies based on simulations of the pathophysiological microenvironment.