Cartilage Lubrication from the Perspective of Wettability

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tribology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Articular cartilage exhibits exceptional low friction and wear in synovial fluid.
• Cartilage can dynamically switch wettability between superhydrophilic and hydrophobic states.
• This unique tribological behavior is influenced by its composition and the synovial fluid environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss articular cartilage lubrication from the perspective of wettability.
• To explore the relationship between cartilage composition, phospholipid layers, and wettability.
• To provide insights into cartilage lubrication mechanisms under various stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cartilage lubrication and wettability.
• Analysis of the role of phospholipid layers and synovial fluid supramolecular synergy.
• Discussion of cartilage wettability and lubrication responses to stimuli like shear, pH, temperature, and electric fields.

Main Results:

• Phospholipid layers significantly influence cartilage wettability.
• Synovial fluid's supramolecular synergy enhances cartilage lubrication.
• Cartilage wettability and lubrication are modulated by external stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Wettability is a critical factor in understanding articular cartilage lubrication.
• Insights from cartilage wettability can guide the design of artificial cartilage and soft actuators.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in cartilage lubrication and wettability for biomimetic applications.