• In silico modeling
• Agent-based models
• Bone regeneration
• Porous scaffolds

Bone defects caused by trauma, tumor resection or infection require surgical intervention. Bone regeneration in porous scaffolds involves numerous physiological factors, which are difficult to observe in vivo and in vitro. Mathematical modeling provides a quantitative tool to understand complex biological processes and guide the design of scaffold structures. A 3D mathematical model of bone regeneration in porous scaffolds was established, coupling immune regulation, cell activity, angiogenesis, and the diffusions of growth factors and oxygen. The concentration distributions of growth factors and oxygen in the pore space were simulated by diffusion equations. Both cell activity and angiogenesis were described using an agent-based model. The model can contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of the effect of porous structures on bone regeneration and can guide the design of scaffold structures in the future.

• PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. Transferd from a Master’s program.
  Visiting PhD student at KU Leuven, Belgium. (March 2022 – July 2023)

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
  Supervisor: Prof. Si-yuan He.

[1] M. Huo, S. He, Y. Zhang, Y. Feng, J. Lu, Simulation on bone remodeling with stochastic nature of adult and elderly using topology optimization algorithm, Journal of Biomechanics. 136 (2022) 111078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111078.
[2] Y. Zhang, P. Wang, J. Jin, L. Li, S. He, P. Zhou, Q. Jiang, C. Wen, In silico and in vivo studies of the effect of surface curvature on the osteoconduction of porous scaffolds, Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 119 (2022) 591–604. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.27976.
[3] S. He, Y. Zhang, Y. Zhou, N. Bao, Y. Cai, P. Zhou, P. Wang, L. Li, Q. Jiang, Modeling osteoinduction in titanium bone scaffold with a representative channel structure, Materials Science and Engineering: C. 117 (2020) 111347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2020.111347.

yun.zhang[at]student.kuleuven.be

Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven
Celestijnenlaan 300C
3001 Heverlee (Leuven), Belgium
Room 04.112

ORCID