a) Collagen I concentration (pg col I/ug total protein) for wild type (wt) fibroblasts in NF and NF+MMP scaffolds at days 1, 6 and 14. Steady collagen I levels were observed in NF, with no significant effect of exogenous MMP- 2 (NF+MMP).
b) Collagen I concentration (pg col I/ug total protein) for diabetic (db) fibroblasts in NF and NF+MMP scaffolds at days 1, 6 and 14. A significant decrease in collagen I levels was observed in NF by day 14 consistent with ECM remodeling. The addition of exogenous MMP-2 (NF+MMP) resulted in significantly higher collagen I levels at day 14 as compared to NF. Expression levels were normalized using total protein content as measured using Bradford assay. + p<0.05 when compared to NF samples, ^p<0.05 when compared to day 1 samples of same experimental group.
