The present invention provides systems and methods for the decellularization and recellularization of tissue segments. In certain instances the invention comprises coating or sealing decellularized tissue segments with a cross-linked alginate hydrogel. The present invention also provides a decellularization kit, which may be used to generate decellularized tissue segments for high throughput studies. Also included are compositions and methods of tissue sealants comprising methacrylated alginate.