Figure 1

Histology and SEM patterns of NHAC-kn and hMSC seeded on HDM_derm at 14 days. Histological and SEM images of NHAC-kn (a,c,e,g) and hMSC (b,d,f,h). The NHAC-kn and hMSC cells are qualitatively recognizable in HDM_derm. Haematoxilin & Eosin staining (a,b), magnification of 40x (scale bar = 20 μm): both cell types grew superficially and deeply colonized the HDM_derm. Safranin O staining (c,d), magnification of 80x (scale bar = 10 μm): presence of proteoglycan synthesis (dark red), predominantly inside cells and equally present in both primary cells. Alcian blue staining (e,f), magnification of 80x (scale bar = 10 μm): around both primary cells light blue stain indicated the presence of GAGs deposited on the decellularized matrix. SEM images show a complete colonization of HDM_derm scaffold by NHAC-kn with collagen network still visible; NHAC-kn retained their viable morphology and cell-to-cell relationship (g). Sparse distribution of the few hMSC cell aggregates is present (h).