Fig. 4
Effects of cellular density on the expression of specific genes and in vivo chondrogenic capacity of OA chondrocytes in type I collagen scaffolds. a Gene expression profiles of low (5 × 105 cells/ml) and high (2 × 106 cells/ml) density OA chondrocytes in type I collagen scaffolds (n = 3 in each group). b Histological analysis of scaffolds with different OA chondrocyte seeding densities. Scale bar = 1 mm. c Bern score evaluation (n = 3 in each group). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.001; data are mean ± standard. MP3, monolayer cultured P3; LP3, low-density P3 in type I collagen scaffolds; HP3, high-density P3 chondrocytes in type I collagen scaffolds