Figure 8.
Representative images for histological analysis of constructs at week 6. The BG encapsulated groups showed deeper staining for Alizarin red. The immunostaining intensity for collagen type I was greater in the TGF group. The gradient scaffolds showed more intense staining that indicated higher mineralization toward the osteogenic region. However, mineralization was observed at a few locations in the chondrogenic region of the gradient construct. C and O represent the locations of the chondrogenic and osteogenic sides on the sections of gradient scaffolds. Scale bar: 100 µm. PLGA poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid), TGF (transforming growth factor-β3), CS (chondroitin sulfate), TGF-CS (transforming growth factor-chondroitin sulfate), BMP (bone morphogenic protein-2), BG (bioactive glass), and BMP-BG (bone morphogenic protein-bioactive glass).