J0401-5-6 The evaluation method of regenerated cartilage considering surface gel lubrication

Abstract

Natural articular joints keep very low friction coefficient despite of severe mechanical conditions. Sasada reported that the hydrogel on cartilage surface plays an important role to keep low friction coefficient. In our previous study, friction coefficient was measured by reciprocating friction-testing apparatus using stainless steel counterface. But it is considered that friction test using stainless steel counterface is inappropriate to evaluate the effect of hydrogel lubrication. 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer is well known as a hydrophilic biocompatible material. In this study, frictional performances of porcine cartilage was evaluated using MPC-polymer grafted silicon counterface to evaluate the surface-gel lubrication.