Figure 5.
Destructive and non-destructive tests detect changes in matrix stabilization and mechanical properties. Destructive biochemical assays showed strong correlations between A) compressive relaxation modulus and proteoglycan content (GAG/ww), and B) ultimate tensile strength and collagen crosslinking density (PYR/COL). Non-destructive optical assays showed significant correlations between C) FLIm CH3 LT and GAG/ww, D) FLIm CH1 LT and PYR/COL, E) compressive modulus and FLIm CH3 LT, and F) ultimate tensile strength and FLIm CH1 LT.