Decellularized Biomaterial from Non-Mammalian Tissue

Abstract

The growth factor profile, connective tissue matrix constituents, and immunoprivileged status of urodele extracellular matrix (ECM) and accompanying cutaneous tissue, plus the presence of antimicrobial peptides there, render urodele-derived tissue an ideal source for biological scaffolds for xenotransplantation. In particular, a biological scaffold biomaterial can be obtained by a process that entails (A) obtaining a tissue sample from a urodele, where the tissue comprises ECM, inclusive of the basement membrane, and (B) subjecting the tissue sample to a decellularization process that maintains the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix, by virtue of retaining its fibrous and non-fibrous proteins, glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, while removing sufficient cellular components of the sample to reduce or eliminate antigenicity and immunogenicity for xenograft purposes. The resultant urodele-derived biomaterial can be used to enhance restoration of skin homeostasis, to reduce the severity, duration and associated damage caused by post-surgical inflammation, and to promote progression of natural healing and regeneration processes. In addition, the biomaterial promotes the formation of remodeled tissue that is comparable in quality, function, and compliance to undamaged human tissue.

1 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A composition comprising decellularized Urodele extracellular matrix (ECM) having functional activity. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the decellularized Urodele ECM is obtained from a salamander from family Ambystomatidae, Cryptobranchidae, Amphiumidae, Proteidae, or Sirenidae. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the decellularized Urodele ECM is obtained from neotenic Urodele. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the decellularized Urodele ECM has reduced or no antigenicity and/or immunogenicity as compared to a naturally occurring Urodele ECM. 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the composition further comprises devitalized Urodele epithelial cells. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the decellularized Urodele ECM is derived from a skin of a Urodele. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the decellularized Urodele ECM is derived from an axolotl. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition. 
     
     
         42 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition further comprises an agent. 
     
     
         43 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 42 , wherein the agent is xenogenic to Urodele. 
     
     
         44 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 42 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     
     
         45 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 44 , wherein the agent is a therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         46 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 45 , wherein the therapeutic agent is an antimicrobial agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an agent that promotes wound healing, or an agent that promotes tissue regeneration. 
     
     
         47 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 46 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a carrier. 
     
     
         48 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 42 , wherein the agent is a growth factor, a cytokine, a chemokine, a retinoid, a steroid, or an emollient. 
     
     
         49 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition is in a form of a powder, a gel, or a paste. 
     
     
         50 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition further comprises synthetic biocompatible material and/or synthetic cyto-compatible material. 
     
     
         51 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 50 , wherein the synthetic biocompatible material and/or synthetic cyto-compatible material provide sustained release of decellularized Urodele ECM. 
     
     
         52 . The pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition of  claim 51 , wherein the synthetic biocompatible material and/or synthetic cyto-compatible material comprise tri-block co-polymers or poloxamers.