Figure 5.

Enzymatic treatment results in densification of the collagen network and notably improves microtissue fusion. Histologically, both engineered cartilages treated with cABC exhibit robust chondrogenesis, as evidenced by diffuse positive staining for sGAG (Alcian Blue) and collagen (PSR stain). cABC treatment causes a denser collagen network in both groups as evidenced by intense PSR staining. Importantly, enzymatic treatment appeared to significantly improve microtissue fusion. However, cABC also appeared to increase mineralization when compared to untreated equivalents. Finally, treatment with cABC results in a smaller, rounder cell morphology in both groups. Scale bars: single cell = 500 µm (overview) and 200 µm (zoom). Microtissue = 700 µm (overview) and 200 µm (zoom).