Fig 1. The fabrication of gel constructs and VML injury and treatment in the rat TA muscle.

(A) Cross-linked gel constructs before in vitro testing or in vivo implantation. (B) A 12x4x4mm near full-thickness VML defect was created in the middle-third of the rat TA muscle. (C) A size-matched gel construct (low OA, high OA or gel only) was placed in the defect for treatment.