New ‘smart’ bone repair materials can actively steer the body’s immune system, enabling faster and more effective bone healing. This is the key finding of Qing Zhang, a researcher in muscle and skeletal health, with a focus on bone repair.
The discovery opens the door to a new generation of implants that do more than fill bone defects. They actively support the body’s natural healing process.
From passive support to active regeneration
Conventional bone implants primarily serve as structural fillers. Qing Zhang’s research takes a fundamentally different approach. He developed nanomaterials that interact with the immune system, a crucial but often overlooked factor in bone repair. “The immune system plays a central role in how bones heal,” Zhang explains. “By guiding immune responses in the right direction, we can significantly improve both the speed and quality of bone regeneration.”
Materials that communicate with the body
The newly developed osteoimmune-regulating nanomaterials are designed to influence immune cells at the injury site. By carefully regulating inflammation, these materials create optimal conditions for new bone formation, reducing the risk of delayed healing or complications. The result is a smarter implant that works with the body rather than merely supporting it.
Promising outcomes for an ageing population
The findings are particularly relevant for an ageing population, where bone fractures, osteoporosis and impaired bone healing are increasingly common. Implants that actively promote tissue regeneration could shorten recovery times and improve patients’ long-term mobility and quality of life. “These smart materials have the potential to transform how we treat bone injuries,” says Zhang. “Especially for elderly patients or people with bone diseases, this approach could make a real difference.”
From laboratory design to biological testing
For his PhD project, Qing Zhang combined an extensive review of existing research with the design and fabrication of new biomaterials. He tested their performance using cell-based experiments and animal models, demonstrating that immune-guided bone regeneration is both feasible and effective.
PhD defence
Qing Zhang will defend his PhD thesis on 24 February 2026 at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.