Nature needs to lubricate many different kinds of systems. In all cases, this is achieved by means of an aqueous medium, together with a selection of biomolecules. In many cases the biomolecules consist of oligosaccharides bound to proteins, and the sliding surfaces are often complex, smart materials themselves, often covered with water-laden brush-like structures, and capable of reacting to pressure to change the composition of the lubricant in the neighborhood of the sliding interface.

In our laboratory, we have both investigated the lubrication mechanism of hip-implant materials in the presence of human serum albumin, and have endeavored to imitate natural lubrication mechanisms by placing highly hydrated polymer brushes onto various surfaces. Biomimetic aqueous lubrication appears to be a promising approach to solving several industrial lubrication problems.

Vortragssprache: englisch