Extracellular matrix biomaterials for soft tissue repair.

Cornwell, Kevin G; Landsman, Adam; James, Kenneth S

The biological and physical augmentation provided by extracellular matrix (ECM) derived implants continues to challenge and refine the conventional wisdom of biomaterials. It is now appreciated that different tissue-processing methodologies can produce ECM devices with characteristic post-implantation responses ranging from the classic foreign body encapsulation of a permanent implant, to one where the implant is degraded and resorbed, to one where the processed ECM implant is populated by local fibroblasts and supporting vasculature to generate a new, metabolically active tissue (gTissue). This article reviews the multiple ECM devices available clinically and highlights the impact of tissue source and processing on physicomechanical properties and host-implant interactions, with regard to surgical applications and clinical considerations.