FIG. 3.

COX-2 gene expression was quantified and upregulations noted when acoustic force was applied to cells on TCP (30 and 150 mW/cm², not significant) and cells encapsulated in type I collagen hydrogels (both 30 and 150 mW/cm², statistically significant). Interestingly, cells encapsulated within hydrogels also expressed an upregulation of COX-2 gene expression, although not significant, with no acoustic force (Control) when compared to cells seeded on TCP with no acoustic radiation force (Control). There was, however, a statistically significant upregulation of COX-2 expression when comparing acoustic radiation force applied to encapsulated cells versus cells on TCP. Statistical significance noted (*p < 0.05). COX-2, cyclooxygenase 2; TCP, tissue culture polystyrene.