Effect of tribology processes on adsorption of albumin. (17th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Yu; Yang, Hongjuan; Wang, Linghe; Su, Yanjing; Qiao, Lijie
• Is Part Of: Surface topography. Volume 4:Number 1(2016:Jan./Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2015-12-17
• Subjects: corrosion -- tribology -- adsorption -- SKPFM; Surfaces (Physics) -- Periodicals; Surfaces (Physics) -- Measurement -- Periodicals; 530.417
• DOI: 10.1088/2051-672X/4/1/014007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-672X

Abstract

Abstract: As soon as artificial joint replacements are implanted into patients, the adsorption of proteins can occur. Joint implants operate in a protein-rich and relatively corrosive environment under tribological contact. The contacted area acted as an anodic part and the rest of the surface was more cathodic. Therefore, the adsorption of proteins is different in and outside the wear track. Adsorbed proteins would denature during rubbing and a tribofilm could form. The tribofilm can lubricate the surface and act as a barrier to corrosion damage. However, to observe the adsorption of proteins in situ has always been a challenge. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscope (SKPFM) was used to study the adsorption of albumin on the surface of CoCrMo alloy under simulated tribology movement. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) was employed to reveal the protein molecules in the wear scar. It was found that albumin molecules can decrease the surface potential and accelerate the corrosion process. In the wear track, albumin denatured and changed the surface potential as time progressed.