Fig. 1

3D-collagen hydrogel directed the conversion of GMSCs into Schwann-like cells. GMSCs were cultured under 2D-culture conditions (2D-GMSC) or encapsulated in the methacrylated 3D-collagen hydrogel (4 mg/mL) at a cell density of 2 × 10⁶/mL and allowed for gel formation at 37 °C for 20 min followed by culturing in complete α-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 48 h. a 2D- or 3D-GMSCs were immunostained with a specific antibody for S-100β or p75NTR followed by incubation with Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibodies. Nuclei were counterstained with 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI; blue). Images were captured under a fluorescence microscope. Scale bars, 20 µm. b Quantification of the percentage of S-100β⁺ and p75NTR⁺ cells. c 2D- or 3D-GMSCs were immunostained with a specific antibody for BDNF or GDNF followed by incubation with Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibodies. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue). Images were captured under a fluorescence microscope. Scale bars, 20 µm. d Quantification of the percentage of BDNF⁺ and GDNF⁺ cells. Data represent the mean ± SD. ***p < 0.001 (3D vs. 2D); Student’s two-tailed unpaired t test (B, D). 2D, GMSCs cultured in 2D-conditions; 3D, GMSC cultured in the 3D-collagen hydrogel