Fig. 7

Evaluation of vessel maturity using cell markers. a Paraffin-embedded sections (5 μm) of cell-embedded PLLA/PLGA scaffolds were fluorescently labeled for i α-SMA (red) and ii CD31 (green) (scale bars = 20 μm). iii A merged image is presented for α-SMA and CD31 staining (scale bar = 20 μm). b Statistical analysis of α-SMA coverage out of the overall lumen perimeter, determined by CD31 staining, was performed for vessels under 35 μm in diameter. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparisons test, n ≥ 4. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001. α-SMA Alpha-smooth muscle actin, HAMEC Human adipose microvascular endothelial cell, HNDF Human neonatal dermal fibroblast, HUVEC Human umbilical vein endothelial cell, MSC Mesenchymal stem cell