The results depict that GAG content was reduced the most when samples were tested on day 35 of protocol A as it was undetectable (Table 1). Protocol B at day 14 experienced a 0.88 fold reduction and protocol C at day 14 underwent a comparable decrease of 0.94 fold compared to naïve (Table 1). Assessment of protocol A at day 28 as well as protocol B and C at days 14 showed a significant difference at these time points (P-value < 0.05, one away ANOVA). Post-HOC bonferoni assessment of protocol B (day 14) and protocol C (day 14) was insignificant (P-value: 0.072) but protocol B (day 14) showed a significantly higher GAG level compared to protocol A, day 28 (P-value: 0.022). Assessment of protocol A (day 28) and day 14 of protocol C also demonstrated a significantly higher GAG level (P-value < 0.05) in the latter group. All time points underwent a reduction in GAG content when compared to native (P-values < 0.05).Table 1Mean concentration of GAG for different time points.ProtocolMean GAG concentration (n = 3)Native3.3 μgProtocol A day 210.1 μgProtocol A day 280.1 μgProtocol A day 35<0.1 (undetectable)Protocol B day 70.5 μgProtocol B day 140.4 μgProtocol C day 70.8 μgProtocol C day140.2 μg