Fig. 2

Characterization of DPSCs and DPSC-EVs. a Cultured DPSCs observed under a phase contrast microscope. Bars = 100 μm. b Flow cytometric histograms of DPSCs. The expression of the cell surface markers CD29, CD34, CD45, CD49d, and CD90 was analyzed. Black line: isotype control. Red line: stained with specific antibodies. c The proliferation of DPSCs was assessed by the CCK-8 assay on day 3, day 5, and day 7. Results are expressed as means ± SEM (n = 8). d The capacity of DPSCs to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes was assessed by Oil red O, ALP, FABP-4, osteocalcin and aggrecan staining. Bars = 100 μm. e DPSC-EV morphology observed using TEM. Bars = 100 nm. f Western blot analysis of the expression of the EV surface marker CD9 in DPSC-EVs