Abstract
Hybrid artificial cartilage that has condrocyte and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) on uppermost surface was developed in this study. Hybrid artificial cartilage was produced from Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel as base material and condrocyte which generates ECM to maintain low friction and wear. To solve a problem of a lack of condrocyte adhesion on PVA hydrogel, fibrinogen and hyaluronic acid adsorbed film was applied on PVA hydrogel surface. Number of adhesive condrocyte and structure of generated ECM were investigated in a fluorescent microscope. It was observed that enough number of condrocytes existed on PVA hydrogel as much as condrocytes in natural articular cartilage. Friction property of hybrid artificial cartilage was investigated in a reciprocating tester. Low friction was maintained over sliding distance of 14m.
