Fig. 2

GMSCs encapsulated in the 3D-collagen hydrogel retain the immunomodulatory effects on macrophages. THP-1 macrophages were co-cultured with GMSCs either seeded in the upper chamber of a trans-well (TW) or encapsulated in the methacrylated 3D-collagen hydrogel (4 mg/mL) at a cell ratio of 2:1 (macrophages: GMSCs) for 48 h. a The spindle-shaped morphological changes of THP-1 macrophages following co-culture with GMSCs. Scale bar, 50 µm. b Following co-culture with GMSCs for 48 h, the secretion of IL-10 in the culture media was determined by ELISA. c-e Following co-culture with GMSCs for 48 h, THP-1 macrophages were stimulated with 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in fresh media for 3 h and the secretion of IL-10 (c), TNF-α (d), and IL-1β (e) was determined by ELISA, respectively. Data represent the mean ± SD, n = 3 biological replicates. **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; Student’s two-tailed unpaired t test. TW, GMSCs cultured in a trans-well; 3D-GMSC, GMSC cultured in the 3D-collagen hydrogel