Objective     To prepare completely decalcified bone matrix (DBM) and study its physical characteristics and biomechanical properties in order to afford theoretical base for DBM as ideal scaffold of bone tissue engineering.      Methods     Completely decalcified bone matrix from goat was prepared with the standard methods. Its physical characteristics including colour

texture

porosities were observed

and the hole diameter and porosity were detected under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hydrophilicity of DBM was evaluated by calculating water absorption. Its transient recovery rate of deformation

complete recovery time of deformation and maximal compressive strength were determined with biomechanical approach.      Results     DBM is ivory white with unique density and redundant microporosities of which the average diameter is (409.2±39.7) μm. The maximum of absorption time and absorption rate of DBM were 12 h and (419.0±44.4)%. The transient recovery rate of deformation was 100% and (91.0±8.2)% when DBM is compressed 20% and 30% respectively.      Conclusion     The properties of DBM are larger diameter and higher rate of microporosities

better hydrophilicity

easy recover of deformation and more suitable for adhesiveness and growth of breeding cells

which is the ideal scaffold material of bone tissue engineering.