Figure 5.

Hematoxylin & Eosin staining of 3D bioengineered system at different time-points in static and dynamic culture. An homogenous network of synthetic collagen matrix at day 0 was observed with cells immobilized within. The 3D collagen matrix maintained its integrity during the static culture; at day 16 small hollow areas were observed. On the contrary, same scaffolds cultured in dynamic condition appeared with an increased number of hollow areas, also larger. These areas appeared filled with a darker new matrix with cells clearly observed within (arrowheads). All images are obtained using an enlargements of 40×.