Progress in various crosslinking modification for acellular matrix

Objective To review the current crosslinking strategies for acelluar matrix scaffold, laying the foundation for subsequent experiment. Data sources Data were mainly obtained from recent papers published in PubMed or indexed by Web of Science, with keyword like crosslinking. Results Various crosslinking strategies, including chemical, physical and biological methods, have been introduced to facilitate the performance of fresh acellular matrix. Chemical crosslinking reagents, involved in synthetic and naturally derived agents, need to be eliminated before implantation in case of their potential biotoxicity, although several crosslinking agents with less toxicity and specific characteristics have been developed. Physical crosslinking methods present to be safe, additive-free and relatively controllable for rapid surface functionalization with no consideration of remaining radioactivity. Biological crosslinking strategies have attracted great interest, and have been demonstrated to enhance collagen-based crosslinking since their preparations do not need toxic or potentially biologically contaminated substances and can be carried out under physiological conditions. Conclusions Kinds of crosslinking methods with its potential advantages have been developed to modify raw acelluar matrix, of which the performance are promising after being crosslinked by several crosslinking treatments. Further preclinical and clinical evaluations should be taken to vertify their safety and efficacy for the tissues and organs substitutes in tissue and regenerative medicine.