Fig. 2. Material characterization of tunable dECM scaffolds.

(A) The degree of cross-linking of electrospun dECM was determined via ninhydrin assay. dECM scaffolds were exposed to GA vapor for variable amounts of time (10 min to 24 hours) and normalized to uncross-linked samples (0 min). (B) The diameter of dECM fibers dry and after swelling in PBS for 24 hours was measured. The bulk dECM scaffold swelling behavior expressed as (C) the elliptical axis along the fibers (swollen minor/dry minor), (D) the elliptical axis perpendicular to the fiber direction (swollen major/dry major), (E) and the aspect ratio (Major_S/Minor_S) of swollen scaffolds was measured (Major_S, swollen major axis; Minor_S, swollen minor axis; Major_D, dry major axis; Minor_D, dry minor axis). (F) The tensile mechanical properties of swollen dECM scaffolds tested via a uniaxial testing system under aqueous conditions. Values represent means ± SD [n = 4 (A), n = 5 (B to E), and n = 3 (F)]. Bars that share letters are not significantly different. Conversely, bars that do not share a letter are significantly different (P < 0.05).