Fig. 2: Preparation and characterization of str-ZnO NPs and str-ZPM Gel. | Nature Communications

Fig. 2: Preparation and characterization of str-ZnO NPs and str-ZPM Gel.

From: Streamlined metal-based hydrogel facilitates stem cell differentiation, extracellular matrix homeostasis and cartilage repair in male rats

Fig. 2

a Synthesis of streamlined ZnO NPs and str-ZPM Gel. b Zeta potential of str-ZnO with PEI at different molar ratios. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 independent experiments). c Agarose gel electrophoresis assays for PEI/miR-17 and str-ZnO@PEI/miR-17 at various mass ratios. The experiments were repeated three times independently. d The gelling process of GelMA and GelMA/str-ZnO (1%). e SEM image of str-ZPM Gel (n = 3 independent experiments). f FTIR spectra of str-ZnO, GelMA, GelMA/str-ZnO (0.5%), and GelMA/str-ZnO (1%). g The in vitro MMP-dependent release profile of the str-ZnO@PEI/miR-17 complex from str-ZPM Gel over 7 days. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 independent experiments). h Degradation ratio of different hydrogels in collagenase II (100 μg/mL) aqueous solution. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 independent experiments). i Images of hydrogels degradation when incubated in PBS and collagenase II (100 μg/mL) aqueous solution. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.

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