Figure 5. Validation of the optimized matrix by stabilization of biomarkers representing various storage sensitivities.

Optimized matrix (EX, red bars) post-rehydration recovery comparison with the fresh, untreated control; highlighted by the connecting bar. (A) CRP: Complete stabilization (99±3%; P = 0.58) (B) PSA: Complete stabilization (99±4%; P = 0.47) (C) MMP-7: Significantly lower recovery post-rehydration (94±3%; P = 0.0015) (D) C3a: Significantly higher level post-rehydration (106±1%; P = 0.003). Error bars represent standard deviation from at least three independent experiments. Statistically significant difference is denoted by *s (p ≤ 0.05), while non-significant difference is denoted by ns.