A novel technique for evaluation of articular cartilage lubrication based on the surface plasmon resonance

摘要

Evaluation of lubrication in articular cartilage has been developed with various techniques in order to obtain reasonable explanations about this superb mechanism. However, a definitive theory about this mechanism of lubrication is not clear until present time. One of the most relevant restrictions for the comprehension of this mechanism is the difficulty to detect and to evaluate the surface layer of articular cartilage. Acquisition of images from the conventional techniques are not sufficient for the analysis of the surface layer conditions because the most of methods require the dehydration of specimens which change their physiological state. In addition, methods that allow the evaluation of articular cartilage in the aqueous environment do not provide sufficient and clear data for a definitive evaluation. In this work, we present the application of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) principle in the evaluation of articular cartilage surface. In our apparatus, it is possible to acquire images of articular cartilage surface during the lubrication experiments and in the aqueous environment. Variations in the reflectance were used in order to identify the substances present in the surface layer, since the intensity of light depends on the chemical characteristics of the substances located on the articular cartilage surface. The correlation of friction behavior with the possible substances present in the surface layer of articular cartilage can contribute to clarify the mechanism of lubrication of articular cartilage.