A metamaterial scaffold beyond modulus limits: enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis of critical bone defects

Yu Qin, Zehao Jing, Da Zou, Youhao Wang, Hongtao Yang, Kai Chen, Weishi Li (), Peng Wen () and Yufeng Zheng ()
Additional contact information
Yu Qin: Peking University
Zehao Jing: Peking University Third Hospital
Da Zou: Peking University Third Hospital
Youhao Wang: Peking University Third Hospital
Hongtao Yang: Beihang University
Kai Chen: Peking University
Weishi Li: Peking University Third Hospital
Peng Wen: Tsinghua University
Yufeng Zheng: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Metallic scaffolds have shown promise in regenerating critical bone defects. However, limitations persist in achieving a modulus below 100 MPa due to insufficient strength. Consequently, the osteogenic impact of lower modulus and greater bone tissue strain ( > 1%) remains unclear. Here, we introduce a metamaterial scaffold that decouples strength and modulus through two-stage deformation. The scaffold facilitates an effective modulus of only 13 MPa, ensuring adaptability during bone regeneration. Followed by a stiff stage, it provides the necessary strength for load-bearing requirements. In vivo, the scaffold induces > 2% callus strain, upregulating calcium channels and HIF-1α to enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis. 4-week histomorphology reveals a 44% and 498% increase in new bone fraction versus classic scaffolds with 500 MPa and 13 MPa modulus, respectively. This design transcends traditional modulus-matching paradigms, prioritizing bone tissue strain requirements. Its tunable mechanical properties also present promising implications for advancing osteogenesis mechanisms and addressing clinical challenges.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57609-9 Abstract (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57609-9

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.nature.com/ncomms/

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57609-9

Access Statistics for this article

Nature Communications is currently edited by Nathalie Le Bot, Enda Bergin and Fiona Gillespie

More articles in Nature Communications from Nature
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().