Matrix mineralization and Alizarin Red Quantification.

<div><p>a) No or little mineralization was apparent in Control samples. Gravity samples showed formation of mineralized clusters distributed evenly over the area of ECM. M samples showed no visible clusters and ECM morphology comparative to Controls. Application of LIPUS in MU samples induced mineralization as calcium clusters are apparent in ECM and morphology was more comparable to G samples. GU cultures showed denser calcium cultures and with higher frequency (scale bare 500um).</p> <p>b) Alizarin red quantification showed significant decrease of ECM calcification in M cultures almost to the level of the control group. LIPUS exposure restored mineralization of ECM. Application of LIPUS significantly increased calcification in MU cultures relative to M and GU cultures relative to G. (*p<0.001).</p>