Figure 3.

hMSC spreading is affected by the structure and mechanical properties of the fibrin network. Fibrin gels that were formed with extra thrombin stimulate the cells to spread more in comparison to pure fibrin. In contrast, the addition of PIC to fibrin substrates reduces hMSC spreading. (A) Confocal images of hMSCs after 24 h culture on 2 mg mL⁻¹ fibrin gels showing F-actin (phalloidin staining; red) and nucleus (DAPI staining; cyan). (B) Quantification of cell spreading 24 h after seeding on the fibrin, fibrin + thrombin and fibrin/PIC gels. Mean ± s.d. * P < 0.05.