A Solid–Liquid Composite Lubricating “Nano‐Snowboard” for Long‐Acting Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Abstract

AbstractOsteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by cartilage degeneration. Anti‐inflammatory therapy has limited effects, and effective reduction of cartilage wear through lubrication is essential. In vivo stability and lubricity of commercial lubricants are insufficient, leading to failure of lubricating treatment and progression of osteoarthritis. To address these issues, new therapeutic methods combining anti‐inflammation and stable high‐performance lubrication are developed. Inspired by the sliding mechanism of snowboards, a “nano‐snowboard” by modifying molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a biomimetic phospholipid polymer poly (dopamine methacrylamide‐co‐2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PDMPC) and loading anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (DS), namely MoS2‐PDMPC‐DS, has been synthesized. MoS2 with a 2D layered structure and photothermal properties, serves as solid lubricant and drug carrier. Meanwhile, the modification of PDMPC on the surface of MOS2 avoids the oxidative denaturation of MoS2 in a physiological environment, forming solid–liquid composite lubrication and improving the lubricity and stability of MoS2 in the joint cavity. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that MoS2‐PDMPC‐DS can stay in the joint cavity for more than one week and exert long‐lasting lubrication and anti‐inflammatory effects to treat osteoarthritis effectively. This solid–liquid composite lubricating nano‐snowboard provides a new idea for synergistic anti‐inflammatory and lubricating treatment of osteoarthritis.