Fig. 2

Characterization of cartilage matrices (native, decellularized, and cross-linked decellularized ones): A Histological structure of the non-cross-linked and cross-linked decellularized matrix, hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Picrosirius red staining, light and polarization (PM) microscopy, magnification 50 × . The cross-linked samples had more dense packing of collagen fibers in the submucosa than only decellularized ones. In the non-cross-linked samples, the fibrillar structure of the submucosa was looser than that in the cross-linked ones and had slight anisotropy with green luminescence. The cross-linked samples had more anisotropic structure with red and yellow luminescence; B residual DNA content; C proteolytic stability; D, E mechanical properties at a maro- (D) and microlevel (E) (D–macroindentation, E–AFM). *p < 0.05 versus Cross-linked; **p < 0.05 versus Native; *** p < 0.05 versus Decellularized