Biotribology: Recent advancements, Applications, Challenges and Future Directions

Tribology deals with basic principles and understanding of three concepts: friction, wear, and lubrication. Now, bio tribology is one of the most exhilarating fields of tribological study. In this book chapter, the authors made efforts to review and provide brief thoughts about the various sections of the biotribology such as orthopedics, artificial implants, biomimetics, bio-lubricants, biomaterials, ocular tribology, skin tribology, haptics, dental tribology, sports tribology. Apart from these, biotribology deals with a few more exciting areas i.e., in personal care like skin creams, cosmetics, etc., and oral processing studies such as mouthfeel and taste perception.

This comprehensive review comes to a close with four studies, i.e., bio-friction of the biological systems, tribology of medical and surgical devices, biocompatibility issues related to biomaterials, and critical aspects of bio-tribocorrosion. A critical review of bio-friction studies for the various biological systems is presented, and significant underlying tribological-lubrication mechanisms are also discussed.

The present emphasis and forthcoming advancements of the various medical and surgical instruments in context with the fundamental tribology principles and pertaining mechanisms for an efficient, versatile, and multi-functional bio-system will be discussed in this book chapter. Furthermore, major challenges faced by R&D officials and medical teams are discussed.

Biocompatibility and bio-tribo-corrosion of biomaterials are serious concerns in bio tribology. In-depth discussions of current trends, implementations, and their guidelines for the future are also included. In a nutshell, bio tribology studies can contribute noteworthy scientific, social, engineering, and healthcare benefits; the openings and possibilities are significant.

Keywords: Artificial implants, Biotribology, Bio-tribocorrosion, Bio-friction, Biomimetic, Bio-lubricants, Biomaterials, Challenges, Composites, Dentistry, Ocular tribology, Skin tribology, Sports tribology, Tribology.