A polymer network architecture provides superior cushioning and lubrication of soft tissue compared to a linear architecture.
Abstract: We report the relationships between linear network polymer architecture and biomechanical outcomes including lubrication and cushioning when the polymers are applied to the surface of articulating knee cartilage. Aqueous formulations of the bioinspired polymer poly(2-methacryloyloxylethyl phosphorylcholine) (pMPC) exhibit tuneable rheological properties, with network pMPC exhibiting increased elasticity and viscosity compared to linear pMPC. Application of a polymer network, compared to a linear one, to articulating tissue surfaces reduces friction, lessens tissue strain, minimizes wear, and protects tissue - thereby improving overall tissue performance. Administration of the network pMPC to the middle carpal joint of skeletally mature horses elicits a safe response similar to saline as monitored over a 70 day period.
Publication Date: 2023-11-07 PubMed ID: 37847186DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00753gGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research discusses how a specific polymer network structure is beneficial in providing better lubrication and cushioning for soft tissue like knee cartilage, compared to a linear structure. This modified polymer design offers protection to tissue, reduces friction and wear, and decreases stress on the tissue.
Objective of the Study
- The study aims to identify the connection between the architecture of network polymer and its biomechanical outcomes such as cushioning and lubrication when applied to the surface of knee cartilage.
Understanding the Polymer Arrangements
- The main component of the study, an aqueous formulation of the bioinspired polymer pMPC, displays adaptable rheological properties.
- The network-bound pMPC conveyed increased elasticity and viscosity in comparison to the linearly arranged pMPC.
Benefits of Network Polymer Application
- The application of this network polymer, as opposed to a linear one, was found to exhibit beneficial traits on the treated tissue surfaces.
- It was found to reduce friction, alleviate tissue strain, minimalize wear, and enhance overall tissue performance by providing protection.
Testing the Polymer on Live Tissues
- The network-bound pMPC was applied to the middle carpal joint of mature horses, used as a model organism in this study.
- The horses showed a response similar to saline over a 70-day monitoring period, indicating that the application of network-bound polymer was safe for use in living organisms.
Cite This Article
APA
Cooper BG, DeMoya CD, Sikes KJ, Frisbie DD, Phillips N, Nelson BB, McIlwraith CW, Kawcak CE, Goodrich LR, Snyder BD, Grinstaff MW.
(2023).
A polymer network architecture provides superior cushioning and lubrication of soft tissue compared to a linear architecture.
Biomater Sci, 11(22), 7339-7345.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d3bm00753g Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. mgrin@bu.edu.
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies (CAOS), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies (CAOS), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies (CAOS), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. Brian.Snyder@childrens.harvard.edu.
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. mgrin@bu.edu.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Polymers
- Lubrication
- Phosphorylcholine
- Surface Properties
Citations
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