Fig. 8.

In situ stem cells-laden hydrogel therapy in a rabbit in vivo cartilage repair model. A Representative macroscopic pictures (Macro) and images from Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained paraffin sections from explanted samples of the indicated groups. Representative confocal images of paraffin sections from explanted samples of the indicated groups assessed using immunostaining for Collagen type 2 (Col 2, in cyan) and Collagen type 1 (Col 1, in red). Overimposed images of the two channels are shown in the Merge raw. B The graph shows the macroscopic score using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) system for the indicated groups, calculated at the end of the 8 weeks study on the explants. C The graph shows the microscopic score calculated at the end of the 8 weeks study on the HandE and Col1 and 2 stained paraffin sections. D The graph shows the percentage of the Collagen 1 (Col 1) and Collagen 2 (Col 2) positive areas. Graph bars represents the mean with standard deviation of 4 different regions along the entire diameter of the defect for each sample analysed calculated at the end of the 8 weeks study on the immunostained paraffin sections. E The graph shows the biomechanical evaluation using atomic force microscopy calculated at the end of the 8 weeks study on the explants and expressed as Young Modulus (kPa kilopascals). Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test