Formation of Boundary Film for Friction Reduction of Artificial Articular Cartilage Material under Coexistence of Proteins and Phospholipid

摘要

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel with high water content is one of the candidate materials for artificial cartilage. In the previous study, wear grade of PVA hydrogel depended on the concentrations of proteins mixed into lubricants and structure of protein boundary film became a key essence for wear reduction of PVA hydrogel [1]. Through in situ observation on forming boundary film composed of synovial fluid constituents, it was found that stability and uniformity of boundary film changes with lubricant composition [2]. In contrast, contribution of phospholipid on boundary lubrication of natural and artificial joint is indicated [3]. Therefore, the aim of this study is to clarify the influences of phospholipid addition on formation of boundary film through in situ observation on forming boundary film.