FIG. 5.

Mechanical properties of pericardium samples over time in in vitro degradation model. 1×5 cm rectangle strips of pericardium were left untreated (control), fixed in 0.625% glutaraldehyde (GA), or reinforced with PPF (PPF). All samples were then degraded in 0.4 U/mL of collagenase, over a period of 12 days. An ANOVA statistical test shows significant difference between the treatment methods compared on the same time point (p<0.05). Results from post hoc Tukey's test are shown on the graph. Groups that share the same letter are not statistically different. The control on day 0 has no PPF reinforcement or collagenase exposure. Control groups on the following days are exposed to collagenase but not enforced with PPF or treated with GA.