Imperial College London

ProfessorPhilippaCann

Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Mechanical Engineering

Visiting Professor
 
 
 
//

Contact

 

+44 (0)20 7594 7027p.cann

 
 
//

Assistant

 

Mrs Chrissy Stevens +44 (0)20 7594 7064

 
//

Location

 

456BCity and Guilds BuildingSouth Kensington Campus

//

Summary

 

Publications

Citation

BibTex format

@article{Stevenson:2021:10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100172,
author = {Stevenson, H and Cann, PM},
doi = {10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100172},
journal = {Biotribology},
pages = {1--13},
title = {Protein content of model synovial fluid and CoCrMo wear},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100172},
volume = {26},
year = {2021}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB - Wear of cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy in a reciprocating ball-on-plate test was measured for a series of model synovial fluid samples, where the effect of protein and phospholipid content was examined. The protein content (albumin and γ-globulin) was varied to replicate a range of healthy and diseased SF pathologies. The results showed reduced wear was strongly correlated with increasing protein content. The effect of phospholipid addition on wear was more complex. Limited evidence suggested phospholipids reduced wear for a high albumin/γ-globulin ratio (A/G) but increased wear for low A/G ratios. Post-test examination showed thick (~μm) insoluble “gel-like” films were deposited in, and around, the wear scar. Micro Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy analysis indicated the films were predominately denatured β-sheet proteins although in some cases lipids were also present. Similar films were found in tests with human synovial fluid samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging showed an aggregated fibril “rope” structure typical of non-native β-sheet proteins. The gel film is a protein-rich viscous phase which is entrained intermittently to form a lubrication film which contributes to surface protection and reduction of wear. We also suggest the formation of gel deposits is comparable to the “boosted” lubrication model of proposed by Professor Duncan Dowson for articular cartilage. In the boosted model high-viscosity, concentrated protein films are formed in depressions on the cartilage surface. The tests indicate the chemistry of human synovial fluid, particularly the protein content, could affect CoCrMo wear and therefore the risk of implant failure.
AU - Stevenson,H
AU - Cann,PM
DO - 10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100172
EP - 13
PY - 2021///
SN - 2352-5738
SP - 1
TI - Protein content of model synovial fluid and CoCrMo wear
T2 - Biotribology
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100172
UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352573821000135?via%3Dihub
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/88532
VL - 26
ER -