Abstract: The present invention provides bioengineered extracellular matrix model derived from decellularized Wharton's jelly matrix (DWJM) and methods for making and using the same. After decellularization, the DWJM is homogenized, frozen, and lyophilized in a mold to form a molded scaffold having a substantially uniform pore size, pore distribution, and matrix component distribution, and can be trimmed and shaped to any desired size. The bioengineered DWJM is able to maintain the stem cell qualities of cultured cells, which is useful in screening chemotherapy drugs that target cancers, especially cancer stem cell populations. The bioengineered DWJM possesses matrix components similar to the bone hematopoietic niche and is useful in expanding and maintaining hematopoietic stem cells as well as promoting bone regeneration and repair.

Abstract: A method of differentiating cells into CK19-positive cells capable of producing hair follicle-like and hair structure-like can include: providing a tissue scaffold; seeding cells into the scaffold, the cells being capable of differentiation; incubating the scaffold having the cells in a cell growth media; and incubating the scaffold having the cells in an osteogenic differentiation medium sufficient for CK19-positive cells to be generated in the scaffold. The tissue scaffold can be a decellularized Whartons' jelly matrix. The cell growth media excludes osteogenic differentiation components: dexamethasone, ?-glycerophosphate, 1?,25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate. The osteogenic differentiation medium includes the osteogenic differentiation components. The cells can be mesenchymal cells, such as WJMSCs.