The article provides an overview of decellularization processes for tissues and organs, which are crucial for creating extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The preservation of the complex composition and three-dimensional ultrastructure of the ECM is essential but challenging due to the disruptive nature of decellularization methods. Physical, chemical, and biological agents are used to lyse cells and remove cell remnants, with the choice of method depending on factors such as tissue density, geometry, and desired clinical application. Effective decellularization aims to minimize disruption to the ECM while ensuring complete cell removal. The article discusses various decellularization techniques, including chemical agents (acids, bases, detergents, alcohols, solvents), biologic agents (enzymes, chelating agents, toxins), and physical methods (temperature, pressure, electroporation). It also highlights the importance of sterilization and evaluation of decellularized ECM to ensure cytocompatibility and avoid adverse host responses. The authors propose minimal criteria for decellularization based on the quantification of residual nucleic acid and cellular material, emphasizing the need for standards to optimize decellularization methods and enhance the clinical success of ECM scaffolds.The article provides an overview of decellularization processes for tissues and organs, which are crucial for creating extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The preservation of the complex composition and three-dimensional ultrastructure of the ECM is essential but challenging due to the disruptive nature of decellularization methods. Physical, chemical, and biological agents are used to lyse cells and remove cell remnants, with the choice of method depending on factors such as tissue density, geometry, and desired clinical application. Effective decellularization aims to minimize disruption to the ECM while ensuring complete cell removal. The article discusses various decellularization techniques, including chemical agents (acids, bases, detergents, alcohols, solvents), biologic agents (enzymes, chelating agents, toxins), and physical methods (temperature, pressure, electroporation). It also highlights the importance of sterilization and evaluation of decellularized ECM to ensure cytocompatibility and avoid adverse host responses. The authors propose minimal criteria for decellularization based on the quantification of residual nucleic acid and cellular material, emphasizing the need for standards to optimize decellularization methods and enhance the clinical success of ECM scaffolds.