Book excerpt: This practical, hands-on volume examines the use of decellularized tissues and organs as biologically-active scaffolds by providing numerous approaches from experts in the field. While knowledge of how to grow and differentiate cells in culture has dramatically improved over time, the book addresses the challenges of how to instruct particular cells of interest to recognize and respond to their environment so as to proliferate, differentiate, and function for restoration of original tissue and organ form and function. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easy to use, Decellularized Scaffolds and Organogenesis: Methods and Protocols share novel approaches and insights that will provide new opportunities for those already in the field or moving to enter the field.