Influences of dehydration and rehydration on the lubrication properties of phospholipid polymer-grafted cross-linked polyethylene

In this study, the lubrication properties of PMPC-grafted CLPE were evaluated in reciprocating friction test with rehydration process by unloading in various lubricants. The start-up friction of PMPC-grafted CLPE was reduced, and the damage of PMPC layer was suppressed by rehydration in water or hyaluronic acid solutions. In contrast, the start-up friction of PMPC-grafted CLPE increased in fetal bovine serum solution, and the damage for PMPC layer was quite noticeable. Interestingly, the start-up friction of PMPC-grafted CLPE was reduced in fetal bovine serum solution containing hyaluronic acid, and the damage of the PMPC layer was suppressed. These results indicate that the rehydration by unloading and hyaluronic acid are elemental in maximizing the lubrication effect of hydrated PMPC layer.

Source: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine - June 30, 2015 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Yarimitsu, S., Moro, T., Kyomoto, M., Watanabe, K., Tanaka, S., Ishihara, K., Murakami, T. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research