Research Projects

Human bone joints such as hip and knee joints are subjected to wear of cartilage and bones due to age, damage related to daily activities or diseases (osteoarthritis). Such a condition causes intense pain to the patient and in the long-run can be very damaging to the joint and the bone system itself. This problem is faced by a very large percentage of population (specially, aging population) which requires surgical intervetions. At present, artificial implants are used to replace the natural bones and the cartilage. Metal-on-metal, metal-on-polymer, ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-polymer material pairs have been tried. Of these solutions, use of polymer acetabular cup has been very common for a number of reasons. Mostly, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used for this purpose. Though UHMWPE is a very wear resistant material even in the physiological environment, it does have wear particle generation which causes osteolysis. Hence, there is an urgent need to reduce the wear particle general in UHMWPE or find a suitable replacement polymeric material. The present research proposal will mainly address the problem of wear of the acetabular cup and invistigate to find suitable alternate material. The main objectives of this collaborative project are the following, • Initiate collaborative work in the field of bio-tribology between IIT Delhi and Kyushu University and establish faculty/researcher/student exchanges • Develop new material(s) based on SU-8 composite (lipid and other lubricant-filled) and new textured surfaces on existing material UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) for applications in hip joint prostheses (bio-medical applications). The new material will also address the unique need of Asian patients who require the “sitting on the floor” posture. • Conduct simulated wear tests on the new composite for applications in hip joint prosthesis.