摘要 : Decellularized tissue matrices are promising substrates for tissue generation by stem cells to replacepoorly regenerating tissues such as cartilage. However, the dense matrix of decellularized cartilageimpedes colonisation by stem... 展开 Decellularized tissue matrices are promising substrates for tissue generation by stem cells to replacepoorly regenerating tissues such as cartilage. However, the dense matrix of decellularized cartilageimpedes colonisation by stem cells. Here, we show that digestion of elastin fibre bundles traversingauricular cartilage creates channels through which cells can migrate into the matrix. Humanchondrocytes and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells efficiently colonise elastintreatedscaffolds through these channels, restoring a glycosaminoglycan-rich matrix and improvingmechanical properties while maintaining size and shape of the restored tissue. The scaffolds are alsorapidly colonised by endogenous cartilage-forming cells in a subcutaneously implanted osteochondralbiopsy model. Creating channels for cells in tissue matrices may be a broadly applicable strategy forrecellularization and restoration of tissue function. 收起