Biological Influence of Nonswelling Microgels on Cartilage Induction of Mouse Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Figure 2

Swelling behaviors of the hydrogels in various conditions. A swelling ratio of 100% corresponds to no swelling. Generally, hydrogels with median amounts of PLLA (P3, P6) swelled less than the PEI-based hydrogel (P0). Swelling ratios were lowest at 37°C and at pH = 9, but nonswelling was maintained at pH = 7.4 for every hydrogel tested. (a) Swelling ratio of P0-P12 hydrogels were measured in PBS (pH = 7.4) at 37°C; (b) swelling ratios of P6 and P0 hydrogels in PBS at 4°C; (c, d) swelling ratios of P0 and P6 at varying concentrations, respectively; (e, f) swelling ratios of P6 and P0 at 37°C in pH = 5 and pH = 9 PBS solution, respectively.

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