The present disclosure relates to a composition and methods for preparing a tissue-derived, dissolved extracellular matrix. In implementations, the extracellular matrix composition includes components native to the cornea including liquefied corneal tissue. The extracellular matrix composition can be prepared by dissolving extracted corneas in an aqueous solution of inorganic base. The resulting solution is then dialyzed to achieve a physiological pH. In some implementations, the extracellular matrix composition can be seeded and/or chemically cross-linked to form a gel matrix. The extracellular matrix and/or the gel matrix can be seeded with a desired cell type (e.g., endothelial cells, epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, etc.) to stimulate cell proliferation and regeneration.
