Work

Shelf‐Stable Human‐Derived Granular Extracellular Matrix (gECM) Hydrogel Wafers as 2.5D Substrates for Microphysiological Modeling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding disease pathology and evaluating emerging therapeutics require in vitro models that accurately recapitulate human tissue environments. However, existing microphysiological systems often compromise either biomimicry or ease-of-use, limiting widespread adoption and scalability. Here, we present lyophilized granular extracellular matrix (gECM) hydrogel wafers as shelf-stable, humanized 2.5D substrates that enable physiologically relevant modeling while simplifying integration into experimental workflows. Derived from decellularized human cartilage and bone, our gECM hydrogel wafers retain tissue-specific architecture while introducing microporosity and surface topography through lyophilization. These wafers maintain swelling behavior, structural integrity, and mechanical properties over three months of room-temperature storage, allowing pre-fabrication and on-demand use without loss of function. gECM hydrogel wafers support direct cell seeding without encapsulation and sustain viability and proliferation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells over 21 days. Furthermore, wafers can be readily integrated into proof-of-concept on-chip fabrication with in situ hydration and transport of large biomolecules. Together, this platform bridges the gap between conventional 2D culture ease-of-use and 3D biomaterial biomimicry, providing a scalable, physiologically-relevant, and humanized in vitro model approach that shows potential for future high-throughput disease studies and therapeutic screening.

Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adhm.71916