Recent Advances in Bio-Tribology From Joint Lubrication to Medical Implants: A Review

Abstract

Bio-tribology, the study of lubrication, wear, and friction in biological systems, has made recent strides in the lubrication of medical implants and joints. This comprehensive review discusses the most recent developments in bio-tribology, with an emphasis on the transition from basic science to medical engineering applications. An overview of bio-tribology and its increasing significance in medicine commences the study. Following this, recent research on the composition of synovial fluid and its function in minimizing friction in natural joints is discussed. Medical implant tribology, including degradation issues in dental prostheses and joint replacements, is then addressed. This study investigates the manner in which surface modifications and coatings improve the tribological performance of medical implants. It emphasizes recent developments in material science and engineering. This article emphasizes the significance of minimizing implant material degradation in relation to the functionality and longevity of biomedical devices. Following this, digital models, simulations, and state-of-the-art imaging techniques that have propelled bio-tribology forward are highlighted. In addition to proposing potential research avenues to overcome the current obstacles, the article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of bio-tribology and urges collaboration among tribology, materials science, and biomechanics researchers.