Laser-textured surface storing a carbon dots/poly(ethylene glycol)/chitosan gel with slow-release lubrication effect

Arthroplasty presents wear problems because body fluid, as the only lubricant, has poor performance. However, normal lubricants become diluted by body fluid and then are absorbed by the human body. To prolong the lubricant's effectiveness, this study prepared a carbon dots/poly(ethylene glycol)/chitosan (CDs/PEG/CS) composite gel, which, stored in laser textures, could slowly release the lubricant. Laser-textured surfaces can simultaneously store CDs/PEG/CS gel and wear debris. In this study, CDs, PEG and chitosan (CS), which have biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, can be used in the human body. CDs/PEG/CS gel was added to the laser textures and had excellent slow-release properties, which became better under pressure. Meanwhile, carbon dots (CDs) associated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via hydrogen bond formed an excellent lubricant, which led to the good lubrication effect. This study provides a new and green approach to enhance the tribological performance of artificial joints.