Carbon dots intensified poly (ethylene glycol)/chitosan/sodium glycerophosphate hydrogel as artificial synovium tissue with slow-release lubricant.

Abstract

The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and metal artificial joint pair is limited by wear debris and short service life. Here we report the development of a hydrogel which exhibits lubricant release to intensify the lubrication effect of artificial joints.This study adopted an injectable method to prepare carbon dots/poly (ethylene glycol)/chitosan/sodium glycerophosphate (CDs/PEG/CS/GP) composite hydrogel, and the carbon dots were used to intensify the rheological and mechanical properties. In addition, the composite hydrogel had slow-release properties, and the release solution contained CDs, PEG and GP has excellent lubrication effect. At last, the MTT assay, LIVE/DEAD staining, H&E staining results and safety evaluation in BALC/c mice proved that the hydrogels had good biocompatibilility and were safety for application in vivo.