Figure 4:

Force generation within fibrin networks. A) Schematic of PDMS post deflection. As forces are generated within fibrin networks, PDMS posts are deflected; force generation can be calculated based on the deflection of the posts. B) PLP-incorporated clots generate significantly higher forces within fibrin networks than control fibrin clots and ULC-incorporated clots. C, D) Histograms of post deflection and associated force generation. The histograms of deflection and associated force generation is skewed towards the right for clots incorporated with PLPs, indicating trend of increased forces within these networks relative to controls. E) PLP-incorporated fibrin clots contract around the PDMS posts to deflect post beams. Representative bright field top-view images of microposts and clots at days 0 and 5 are shown. Post centers were determined based on the known diameters of the posts; centers were determined using two diameters for each post, after which center-to-center distance could be determined. n = 16/group; *: p < 0.05; **: p < 0.01.