Molecularly Engineered Biolubricants for Articular Cartilage. Issue 16 (2nd May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgese, Giulia; Benetti, Edmondo M.; Zenobi‐Wong, Marcy
• Is Part Of: Advanced healthcare materials. Volume 7:Issue 16(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-05-02
• Subjects: articular cartilage -- friction -- osteoarthritis -- polymer brushes -- polymer films; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701463
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-2640

Abstract

Abstract: Lubrication within articular joints plays a crucial role in daily life, providing an extremely low coefficient of friction and preventing wear at the surface of the articular cartilage. Natural biomacromolecules responsible for lubrication are part of the synovial fluid and their degradation is associated with the onset of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA). The current absence of effective treatments for OA has captured the attention of chemists and material scientists over the last two decades, triggering the development of partially or fully synthetic biolubricants aimed to reduce friction within the joints and restore cartilage functions. Although there is still a long way to go before synthetic replacements of natural biolubricants can be applied clinically, this review highlights those formulations that meet the fundamental requirements for being efficient lubricants for articular cartilage. Abstract : Lubricious macromolecules in human joints play a crucial role in determining the extraordinary tribological properties of articular cartilage. Natural or traumatic degradation of these macromolecules represents the first step toward lubrication failure. In this review, synthetic alternatives to the natural lubricants are summarized, highlighting the future directions for the development of the next generation biolubricants.