FIG. 4.

Extracellular matrix is deposited into the pores of 70:30 col/PCL scaffolds, but not 50:50 col/PCL scaffolds. (A) Top view images of matrix deposition within pores at 7 and 14 days. Magnified images of 14-day samples reveal a fibrous matrix within pores of 70:30 col/PCL scaffolds. (B) Fibronectin deposition within 70:30 col/PCL scaffolds with 160 μm pores was detected by immunofluorescent staining (green). Red staining reflects fibroblasts preloaded with red nanocrystals. (C) Picrosirius Red was used to stain collagen in 70:30 col/PCL scaffolds with 160 μm pores. (D) Immunoblotting for fibronectin, collagen I, and β-tubulin was performed on homogenates prepared from microporous 70:30 col/PCL scaffolds with adherent fibroblasts grown for 7, 14, or 21 days. The “no cells” negative control homogenate was prepared from scaffolds that were not seeded with fibroblasts. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tea