Articular cartilage exhibits outstanding material properties and lasts for a human lifetime even without the ability to regenerate. The new insights described in this thesis on how biopolymers mediate the biomechanical and biotribological properties of cartilage could guide the path towards the design of new biomimetic materials: Mucins are able to reduce friction on various materials through hydration lubrication and minimize wear formation on cartilage surfaces. Moreover, the reported resilience of cartilage, examined through the de- and rehydration of the tissue, should be considered in the development of cartilage substitute materials.
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Articular cartilage exhibits outstanding material properties and lasts for a human lifetime even without the ability to regenerate. The new insights described in this thesis on how biopolymers mediate the biomechanical and biotribological properties of cartilage could guide the path towards the design of new biomimetic materials: Mucins are able to reduce friction on various materials through hydration lubrication and minimize wear formation on cartilage surfaces. Moreover, the reported resilien...
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