Fig. 5.

Concentrations of DNA, total proteins, sGAG, collagen, BMP-2 and VEGF in ECM digests and histological staining images of ECM hydrogels. (a) Significantly high concentrations of proteins, including sGAG and BMP-2, were detected in the 45–250 μm powder and 7-day digested ECM digest, compared to other ECM digests (n = 4). Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test with Tukey's multiple comparisons test (∗p < 0.05 ∗∗p < 0.005 ∗∗∗p < 0.0005∗∗∗∗). The † symbol indicates a significant difference within the groups at the same digestion time). Data represent mean ± SD, N = 4. (b) ECM hydrogels were stained with haematoxylin and Alcian blue/Sirius red (scale bar = 100 μm). (c) Schematic illustration of the effects of bone powder size and digestion time on digesting ECM proteins.