Fig. 7
C2S NPs promote osteogenesis through an autophagy effect in vivo. a Micro-computed tomography (micro CT) reconstruction images revealed new bone formation in the defects implanted with C2S NPs at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. b The relative optical density of new bone formation in the defects was analyzed using ImageJ software. c Histological images of newly formed bone with C2S NPs at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. d The area between the centers of the red band (tetracycline) and the green band (calcein) in the defects was analyzed using ImageJ software. e Immunohistochemical analysis of the protein expression of BMP2, LC3, ULK1, and p-ULK1in rat calvarial defects after implantation of C2S NPs at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. f The relative optical area of new bone formation in the defects was analyzed using ImageJ software. Values are expressed as the mean ± S.D. n = 3. * p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 compared with the control group