FIG. 5.

The μRB scaffolds promoted deposition of collagen that mimics phenotype of articular cartilage. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that collagen produced by MSCs was predominantly type II collagen, a major constituent of native cartilage. Collagen X, a hypertrophy cartilage marker, was observed in HG scaffolds, but not in the μRB group. Minimal collagen I deposition was observed in both μRB and HG samples, suggesting the absence of an undesirable fibrocartilage phenotype. Scale bar: 400 μm.