Tribological Characterization of Biomimetic Low-Friction Gels

Cartilage injury and disease are significant health issues that affect people of all ages. With an increase in active lifestyles, extended life expectances, and diseases such as osteoarthritis, millions of people worldwide are being treated with some form of joint replacements [1], and that number is expected to increase. Although current joint replacements have been successful thus far, typically patients experience long term failure due to wear between the two major contacting surfaces; for example, a cobalt chrome femoral head and a polyethylene tibial plate [2]. While tissue engineered constructs with natural cellular materials are a subject of intense research, their load carrying ability and mechanical function are still far from what is necessary for long-life contacting surfaces. A vastly improved contact surface is desirable, utilizing materials that better mimic the structure and excellent tribological properties of natural cartilage. Such a material could also potentially be designed for use against natural cartilage, when defects are more localized.