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Haversian-inspired hierarchical scaffold for vascularized bone repair
Hong-Shuo Zhu1,2, Ying-Han Hu3, Yu-Yi Duan1
1College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China. zouduohongyy@163.com.
Materials Horizons
|August 10, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel composite scaffold for bone repair, mimicking the Haversian system to improve vascularization and mechanical strength. The design enhances tissue regeneration by optimizing mass transport and delivering targeted biochemical cues.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Critical-sized bone defects require advanced repair strategies to address challenges like delayed vascularization and mechanical instability.
- Existing scaffolds often struggle with efficient mass transport and maintaining structural integrity in wet environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a composite scaffold inspired by the Haversian system for enhanced vascularized bone regeneration.
- To improve scaffold mechanical properties in wet conditions and promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a hierarchical scaffold with interconnected channels and anisotropic micropores.
- Spatially controlled distribution of inorganic components (brushite, hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, silica-rich layer).
- Investigated scaffold performance through in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
Main Results:
- The scaffold demonstrated enhanced directional mass transport, tissue infiltration, and vascular ingrowth.
- Localized silica reinforcement improved wet-state mechanical reliability.
- Sustained release of calcium, phosphorus, and silicon promoted osteogenic and angiogenic activities, leading to effective bone regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The integrated compositional and structural design strategy successfully reconciled permeability, mechanical support, and biological activity.
- This approach offers a promising solution for advanced bone repair by promoting coupled vascularized bone regeneration.
