Sustained-release application of PCEC hydrogel on laser-textured surface lubrication

Aseptic loosening induced by wear debris is a major problem for artificial joints. Besides, the nonfunction of secreting synovial fluid weakens the formation of the lubricating film on the surface of artificial joints after joint replacements. In this contribution, a thermosensitive poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCEC) hydrogel carried BSA (PCEC/BSA) was synthesized and was filled into textured dimples, which were used as the depots of PCEC/BSA composite hydrogel in the textured surface. The results indicated that PCEC/BSA hydrogel can release BSA lubricant slowly as an efficient carrier and form a thin protein adsorption film on the sliding region. The laser-textured surface with a pitch/diameter ratio of 1.2 has 39.1% similar to 58.0% lower friction coefficient than that of un-textured surface under simulated body fluid, which is mostly because protein adsorption effect can be applied on this special design to achieve sustained-release lubrication action. This work offers a new insight on the design of textured dimples storing artificial lubrication matterials.