Figure 2.

Green vs. traditional: biocompatibility and cell response. Both the green and traditional PLGA/PCL blend fibers are biocompatible, and support comparable cell proliferation and matrix production by articular chondrocytes over three weeks of culture. (a) Significantly greater cell number and population doublings are measured in the green group by day 7 (n = 5, ^p < 0.05 between groups), increasing for both groups over time (n = 5, *p < 0.05 over time). (b) Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and (c) collagen matrix deposition also increase over time (n = 5, *p < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups (^p < 0.05) evident at any time point. These findings are corroborated by Safranin O and Picrosirius Red histological staining (n = 3 each) for GAGs and collagen, respectively, which show early surface matrix deposition and penetration of the matrix throughout the scaffold depths by week 1 and over time. (d) No ectopic mineralization is detected on green or tradition mesh (ALP activity, n = 5), suggesting chondrocyte phenotype is maintained.