Fig. 3. Characterization of decellularized nerve tissue-specific hydrogel.

Macroscopically, hydrogels were formed at all protein concentrations, but the ability of the material to retain fluid was observed to increase at higher concentrations (a). Scale bars 0.5 cm SEM imaging was used to examine the microstructure of gels resulting from protein concentrations of 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL (b). Increasing fiber density was observed with increased protein concentration. Scale bars 2.5 μm. Representative curves from rheologic testing, varying protein concentration (c) are shown. Storage modulus, loss modulus, gelation temperature, and gelation time are shown (c). Data are presented as mean ± SD.