In vitro released characteristics of BSA lubricants from Agarose hydrogel with tunable mechanical behaviors for artificial joint applications

Abstract

Sustained release of the Bovine serum albumin (BSA) from agarose hydrogel has been suggested to decrease the frictional coefficient of hip implants. Hydrogel network formed with biological solvents such as simulated body fluid (SBF), sodium chloride (NaCl) and phosphate buffer solutions (PBS). Mechanical and rheological properties of hydrogel have been enhanced for injecting in load bearing area of the hip. Experimental evidences illustrated, hydrogel with PBS solvent produced stiffer network with slower deformation rate under heat and load. Cumulative released of lubricants have been moderated with regular and well-shaped pore structure to successfully reduce average of frictional coefficient with 47% reduction rate. Novelty of the present work provides an important candidate for the sustained biomedical material and pharmaceutical applications.