To stain F-actin filaments of the cell, cell-laden hydrogels were fixed in 4% (v/v) paraformaldehyde (Sigma) for 30 min at room temperature and washed with PBS. The cells were then permeabilized in a 0.1% (w/v) Triton X-100 solution in PBS for 20 min and blocked in 1% In vivo degradation and histopathological analysis. On days 5, 28, and 56 post implantations, the animals were euthanized by CO2 inhalation, and the samples were explanted for biodegradation and histopathological analysis. For biodegradation studies, the samples were carefully cleaned to remove the adjacent tissue and then washed three times with PBS and deionized water. Samples were then lyophilized to measure the weight loss over time.