Sliding friction analysis of phosphatidylcholine as a boundary lubricant for articular cartilage

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the major lipidic component of the synovial fluid (45 per cent), has been implicated in previous studies in synovial joint lubrication as a potential boundary lubricant for articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DPPC as a boundary lubricant at physiological stresses experienced by weight-bearing joints (up to 7.5 MPa). The sliding coefficients of static and kinetic friction for glass surfaces coated with DPPC layers of physiological thickness (70 nm) were measured as a function of average contact stress, contact geometry (point and line), applied load and relative velocity (from 25 to 0 mm/s) and compared to the coefficient of friction for clean glass in the same conditions. The coefficient of friction for DPPC-lubricated surfaces was dependent on contact geometry, obeyed Amonton's law (not dependent on axial load or contact area), was dependent on relative velocity within the range stated and was an effective lubricant at physiological stresses. This study showed that dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine can be an effective boundary lubricant at stresses observed in load-bearing joints. Because of their surface-active nature, these adsorbed molecules might also act as a protective layer for the articular surfaces.