Chinese researchers have developed an advanced lubricating material that could slow the progression of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, in its early stages. The researchers made the hydrogel by mixing hollow spheres with polymer to create a slippery substance - the spheres are a mix of gelatin methacrylate and a poly. Then, to get the hydrogel to stay in the joint where it is injected, they added a targeted antibody - one that binds to both the microspheres and damaged cartilage. To test their hydrogel, the research team induced osteoarthritis in rats. They then injected the rats with their hydrogel and put them through exercise routines to measure the impact of the hydrogel on their ability to move normally. The study found that injection of the hydrogel led to an increase in lubrication coinciding with a reduction in friction and reduced symptoms in rats. Source: Qatar News Agency