Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex mixture of both structural and functional molecules arranged in a tissue specific three-dimensional architecture. Basement membrane ECM and non basement membrane ECM have been used as scaffolds for numerous tissue-engineering applications. Objectives: In this study, we used physical and chemical treatments for decellularizing mice kidney. Materials & Methods: The physical treatments included slow freezing and snap freeze-thaw and the chemical agent used for decellularization was 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which was applied for 48 hours. After the decellularization process, Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining and Toluidine blue staining of the paraffinized sections investigated the components of the ECM. Results: PAS staining revealed the presence of glycoproteins and collagen in the decellularized kidney and Toluidine blue showed glucose amino glycans and also proteoglycans tissue which rep- resent basal lamina in the kidney. Therefore, after the decellular- izing process, sugar structures were preserved in the scaffolds. Conclusions: Furthermore, the histological studies show that the ECM compartments remain intact after decellularization.

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