Fluid lubricates joints: vertebrates

1 of 1 Typical human joint / Madhero88 / License

Joints of vertebrates are protected by use of a lubricant, synovial fluid.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Mechanical wear

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Bio-lubricants for machinery, engines, public transportation systems, prostheses.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Whereas technology tries to polish the hard metal of bearings to as fine a finish as possible, nature covers the touching surfaces with a spongelike substance which is comparatively stiff yet quite elastic: cartilaginous tissue, which differs from hard bone tissue essentially in that it lacks deposits of calcium crystals. One could compare this tissue to fiberglass from which the fibers have been removed. The fine pores of the cartilaginous sliding layer are soaked through with lubricating synovial fluid. When the joint is subjected to pressure, the layer compresses and the fluid is pushed out of the thin ducts. The gliding principle is the same as the one used for air-cushion vehicles, with the difference that in bone bearings the cushion (of fluid) is produced on the spot…Synovial fluid might also compete in the market with modern lubricants. It contains slightly less protein than blood serum, but on the other hand it carries an organic acid with very long molecules which are probably linked to proteins. The more the gliding speeds vary in the lubrication layer, the lower the viscosity of the fluid." (Tributsch 1984:41-42)

About the inspiring organism

Chordata
Chordata

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Bio-lubricants for machinery, engines, public transportation systems, prostheses.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, transportation, health

References

Tributsch, H. 1984. How life learned to live. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. 218 p.

Fluid lubricates joints: vertebrates

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