Relative gene expression of sox9, the master transcription factor
involved in chondrogenesis, was upregulated in the Col I/II hydrogels and
pellets with TGF-β3 (Pel) compared to either the Col I hydrogels or
pellets without TGF-β3 (Pel (-TGF)). An ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc
tests were performed (p < 0.05) for gene expression analysis of sox9,
aggrecan, collagen type I, and collagen type X (n=4). An ANOVA and a Games
Howell post hoc test were performed (p < 0.05) for gene expression
analysis of collagen type II. The * indicates statistical difference from the
pellets without TGF-β3 (Pel (-TGF)), and the # indicates statistical
difference from the Col I hydrogels.