Chinese Scientists Develop Revolutionary Lubricating Material for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Chinese scientists have developed an advanced lubricating material to treat osteoarthritis, a prevalent form of arthritis. The material uses hydrogel microspheres to target and protect damaged cartilage. The study, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in Advanced Materials, shows promising results in slowing disease progression and reducing symptoms.

Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in the treatment of osteoarthritis by developing an advanced lubricating material. The new material, detailed in a study published by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, can precisely target damaged cartilage areas and provide lubrication protection.

Developed by researchers Li Jiusheng and Lu Hengyi from the CAS Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, along with orthopaedics clinician Wang Yunjia, the material uses hydrogel microspheres made from a combination of gelatin methacrylate and poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate). These microspheres adhere to injured tissue and offer strong hydration capacity.

When tested on rats with early-stage osteoarthritis, the biomaterial significantly reduced disease progression and symptoms. This discovery offers a promising new technique for treating osteoarthritis, a condition affecting 528 million people globally in 2019, according to WHO figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)