FIG. 4.

Evidence of improved functional recovery observed during 12 weeks postimplantation of keratin hydrogels in the TA VML injury model. Mean values for peak isometric torque production for each of the KN treatment groups are graphed at 4 weeks (A), 8 weeks (B), and 12 weeks (C) postinjury and implantation. As illustrated, the implantation of all keratin-based treatment groups, except KN+I, resulted in a significant and sustained functional recovery relative to BAM and/or NR. In all cases, individual responses are presented as a ratio of the respective group mean of the initial maximum preinjury isometric torque response (presented in Fig. 2) as well as their body weight. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. *Significantly different at the p < 0.05 level using Fisher's PLSD test; after performing a two-way ANOVA for matched samples. Group sample sizes are listed in parentheses. BAM, bladder acellular matrix; NR, no repair. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tea