Lubrication by biomacromolecules: mechanisms and biomimetic strategies
Biomacromolecules play a key role in protecting human biointerfaces from friction and wear, and thus
enable painless motion. Biomacromolecules give rise to remarkable tribological properties that
researchers have been eager to emulate. In this review, we examine how molecules such as mucins,
lubricin, hyaluronic acid and other components of biotribological interfaces provide a unique set of
rheological and surface properties that leads to low friction and wear. We then highlight how
researchers have used some of the features of biotribological contacts to create biomimetic systems.
While the brush architecture of the glycosylated molecules present at biotribological interfaces has
inspired some promising polymer brush systems, it is the recent advance in the understanding of
synergistic interaction between biomacromolecules that is showing the most potential in producing
surfaces with a high lubricating ability. Research currently suggests that no single
biomacromolecule or arti...
Source: Bioinspiration and Biomimetics - Category: Science Authors: Clementine Pradal, Gleb E Yakubov, Martin A K Williams, Michael A McGuckin and Jason R Stokes Source Type: research
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