Recently, Dong Zheng from the Software Group successfully secured a Young Scientists Fund (Category C) project. Entitled "Research on Bone Microstructure Characterization Based on Diffraction-Scattering Tensor Imaging and the Mechanism of Mechanical Property Degradation in Osteogenesis Imperfecta," this project aims to conduct an in-depth investigation into the relationship between bone's micro-nano structure and its mechanical properties. The findings are expected to provide a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the pathological mechanisms of skeletal diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and for informing clinical treatment strategies.
Bone possesses a complex, multi-scale hierarchical structure, wherein its mechanical properties are intimately linked to its micro- and nano-scale architecture. Osteogenesis imperfecta, a disorder that disrupts bone microstructure and significantly increases fracture risk, currently lacks a complete understanding of its underlying micro-nano mechanical mechanisms. Diffraction-scattering tensor imaging, which integrates synchrotron radiation tomography with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), currently stands as the sole technique capable of non-destructively and three-dimensionally characterizing the orientation, size, and crystallinity of both collagen fibrils and mineral particles within the bone matrix. This allows for comprehensive analysis of bone's micro-nano structure and its associated mechanical properties. However, this advanced technique is limited by low scanning efficiency and significant radiation damage.
Addressing these limitations, and building upon the research group's prior work, this project proposes constructing physical models for the diffraction and scattering behavior of collagen fibrils and minerals. An innovative approach combining these physical models with artificial intelligence hybrid modeling will be employed to achieve high-precision reconstruction from low-sampling-rate data. Leveraging the diffraction-scattering tensor experimental platform at a high-energy synchrotron radiation facility, and based on methodological optimization, a three-dimensional characterization and analysis system for collagen fibrils and minerals will be established. Using osteogenesis imperfecta as the research model, the project seeks to elucidate the specific micro-nano structural features responsible for increased bone fragility.
Furthermore, the research methodology developed is not limited to bone microstructure characterization; it holds potential for extension to the multi-dimensional characterization of other biological materials, demonstrating significant academic value and broad application prospects.
