Aggregation of micron-particles in microfluidic texture of artificial joint to improve tribological properties

Artificial joint lubricants injected in vitro are easily absorbed and diluted by human body, resulting in a loss of lubrication effect. In this study, the lubricating substance used was micron-sized gelatin particles containing sodium hyaluronate (GSH particles), and an attempt was made to aggregate the dilute particle solution in the microfluidic texture of Ti6Al4V surface to improve the lubrication. The COMSOL simulation results demonstrated that micron-sized particles were enriched in the microfluidic texture, where the concentration was up to 2.8 times higher than released particles. Finally, the results of particle aggregation were observed by preparing transparent microfluidic texture on PDMS surface. Aggregation of lubricant can effectively improve the lubrication environment and has potential to prolong the injection cycle of lubricant.