Abstract: Introduction Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts of human dermis, dissected at the Centre for Burn Treatment Tissue Bank, constitute a skin substitute successfully used in patients with extensive and deep burns, as well as those suffering from chronic wounds. In addition, ADM may be applied in urogynaecological surgical procedures aiming to correct abnormalities of the reproductive organs. Aim The objective of this study was to present the currently proposed methods of ADM graft preparation as skin substitutes in wound treatment and other areas of regenerative medicine, and to propose possible quality control criteria for the abovementioned preparations. Material and methods Using keywords related to the removal of cells from the allogenic human dermis and the treatment of burns, the available scientific sources were reviewed and the available medical databases were analysed (NCBI MedLine, Clinical Key, Clinicaltrials.gov and MedlinePlus). Results and conclusions The principal methods of cell removal are chemical (detergents, acids, bases, chelating compounds, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions), physical (freezing, sonication, stirring, mechanical removal), biological (enzymes) and mixed methods, which synergistically combine the effectiveness of the aforementioned methods. It is of note that preserving the natural composition and the properties of the ADM under development during the cell removal process is highly desirable. Another essential aspect is the fact that the resulting grafts are microbiologically pure and are not cytotoxic. The use of physical methods to remove cells may leave traces of cell membrane elements, nucleic acids, etc. The use of biological and chemical methods, despite their high efficiency, may cause disruption of the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix with the loss of vital matrix components. In addition, the use of chemical methods may significantly contribute to cytotoxicity characteristics.

Key words: ADM, allogeneic dermis, skin grafts