Figure 2

Characterization of genipin-treated decellularized tracheal matrix.

Hematoxylin and eosin (A–C), Masson trichrome staining (D–F) and SEM evaluation luminal (G–I) and external surfaces (J–L) of native trachea (A,D,G,J), trachea after seven detergent-enzymatic treatment cycles (B,E,H,K) and decellularized tracheal matrix cross-linked using 1% genipin solution for 1 h (C,F,I,L). The total network of ECM fibres appeared compact, including the network of collagen, reticular and elastic fibres, which resulted in a more organized and less fragmented structure than in decellularized samples. The collagen was stained bluevia Masson trichrome staining. SEM showsirregular collagen fibres characterizing the external surface, whereas the basal lamina was maintained on the luminal surface. The scale bars are 25 μm in A-F and are 10 μm in panels (G–L).