Human umbilical cord derived matrix: A scaffold suitable for tissue engineering application.

BACKGROUND: Human tissue derived natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has great potential in tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE: We sought to isolate extracellular matrix derived from human umbilical cord and test its potential in tissue engineering. METHODS: An enzymatic method was applied to isolate and solubilized complete human umbilical cord derived matrix (hUCM). The obtained solution was analyzed for growth factors, collagen and residual DNA contents, then used to coat 2D and 3D surfaces for cell culture application. RESULTS: The hUCM was successfully isolated with trypsin digestion to acquire a solution containing various growth factors and collagen but no residual DNA. This hUCM solution can form a coating on 2D and 3D substrates suitable cell culture. CONCLUSION: We developed a new matrix derived from human source that can be further used in tissue engineering.