FIG. 4.

Rheologic properties of the scaffolds over time during in vitro degradation. (A–C) Average storage moduli of the scaffolds at each time point in each condition. In general, the storage moduli were the same over time and across groups, indicating that the scaffolds maintained their elasticity. (D–F) Average loss moduli of the scaffolds at each time point in each condition. Again, the scaffolds had similar loss moduli across groups at baseline. Over time, however, there seemed to be an increase in loss modulus, indicating an increase in the viscous component of the scaffold likely due to a decrease in crosslinking over time. (G) Demonstrates the average storage moduli of the scaffolds in each group after 6 weeks compared to baseline. There were no noticeable changes. (H) Demonstrates the average loss moduli of the scaffolds in each group after 6 weeks compared to baseline, which showed an increase in loss modulus in all groups. (I) Average stress-relaxation curves of the scaffolds in each group at 6 weeks compared to baseline, demonstrating that there were no changes in stress-relaxation behavior. Note that statistical comparison was not performed on the rheologic parameters. Color images are available online.