Tribochemical Performance of Cell-treated Nickel Matrix

Nickel (Ni) has been studied as a biomaterial for a long time because of the unique mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this study, the frictional properties and wettability of Ni under dry and lubricated conditions, including cell treatment, were compared in order to investigate its tribological performance under conditions similar to that in a human body. The wettability was evaluated and the morphology and the microstructure of Ni samples were investigated. Cells were cultured on a Ni matrix and observed using an inverted optical and fluorescence microscope. Dry friction tests were conducted and compared Ni lubricated with the bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution or the cell culture media. The lubrication behavior and biofluid mechanisms are discussed.