The National Institutes of Health recently awarded a grant to a Texas A&M University-Kingsville assistant professor for a joint replacement improvement project.
The project titled “Improving the Long-term Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Polymers for Total Joint Replacement Applications” was awarded $291,500.
Tribology is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear.
The principal investigator, Dr. Mohammad Motaher Hossain, said the project seeks to increase the longevity of total joint replacement prostheses by improving the long-term performances of polymers used in those applications.
"A huge number of total hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in the USA with a variety of polymers used in these prostheses. Mechanical properties of these polymers can deteriorate over time which can cause the parts to wear significantly. The wear debris produced in the process can shorten the lifespan of the implants, necessitating revision surgery," Hossain said.
"The project seeks to tackle this issue by surface engineering of polymers to improve their long-term mechanical and tribological performances in lubricated environments. Fundamental understanding achieved in this project can be extended to other biomedical implants as well."
Hossain said the project will provide Texas A&M University-Kingsville students an opportunity to get involved in biomedical research.
