Fig. 1

Prevascularization promoted formation of fibrin reticular structure in center of β-TCP and increased cell infiltration. (A) Large bone defect model in rat femur. White arrow and curve, implanted vascular bundles (n = 6). (B) After operation, all rats examined using X-ray imaging to confirm model was successful. (C) Schematic diagram of different positions in β-TCP (red arrow, implanted blood vessel): far from blood vessel (a), center of β-TCP scaffold (b), and close to blood vessel (c).(D) At 1 week after operation, H&E staining of TEBG sections (a–c) and prevascularized TEBG sections (a′–c′); scale bars = 100 μm. Blue arrows, tubular joints between micropores; red arrows, blood cells attached to reticulate structure; black arrow, implanted blood vessel. (E) Representative images under scanning electron microscope (300×) of TEBG group (a–c) and prevascularized TEBG group (a′–c′). TEBG tissue-engineered bone graft