Nanotechnology and Osteoarthritis. Part 1: Clinical landscape and opportunities for advanced diagnostics

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint, often triggered by cartilage injury, mediated by a cascade of inflammatory pathways involving a complex interplay among metabolic, genetic, and enzymatic factors that alter the biochemical composition, microstructure, and biomechanical performance. Clinically, OA is characterized by degradation of the articular cartilage, thickening of the subchondral bone, inflammation of the synovium, and degeneration of ligaments that in aggregate reduce joint function and diminish quality of life. OA is the most prevalent joint disease, affecting 140 million people worldwide; these numbers are only expected to increase, concomitant with societal and financial burden of care. We present a two‐part review encompassing the applications of nanotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of OA. Herein, part 1 focuses on OA treatment options and advancements in nanotechnology for the diagnosis of OA and imaging of articular cartilage, while part 2 (10.1002/jor.24842) summarizes recent advances in drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and gene therapy for the treatment of OA. Specifically, part 1 begins with a concise review of the clinical landscape of OA, along with current diagnosis and treatments. We next review nanoparticle contrast agents for minimally invasive detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of OA via magnetic resonace imaging, computed tomography, and photoacoustic imaging techniques as well as for probes for cell tracking. We conclude by identifying opportunities for nanomedicine advances, and future prospects for imaging and diagnostics.

Progress in osteoarthritis research by the National Natural Science Foundation of China

“… 83 Combining nanotechnology with OA has also greatly facilitated advances in OA diagnosis and articular cartilage imaging. 84 Generous funding is a key factor and an important resource for more comprehensive or complex studies. In the future, the NSFC may further play a more important role in the development of the OA research field by supporting the development, testing, promotion and application of innovative technologies and drugs.…”

Nanotechnology and Osteoarthritis. Part 2: Opportunities for advanced devices and therapeutics

“…73,74 Adding NPs to conventional oils results in a colloidal suspension, a nanolubricant, reducing coefficient of friction values up to 50%. 73 Addition of biocompatible tantalum oxide NPs to bovine synovial fluid, as described by Lawson et al, 75 improves boundary mode lubrication by reducing the coefficient of friction between cartilage articulating surfaces. 75 Implants) and clinical experiences are promising.…”

“…73 Addition of biocompatible tantalum oxide NPs to bovine synovial fluid, as described by Lawson et al, 75 improves boundary mode lubrication by reducing the coefficient of friction between cartilage articulating surfaces. 75 Implants) and clinical experiences are promising. 78 This approach is promising given the precedence of regulatory approved silver NP coated medical catheters (Silverline and ON-Q Soaker).…”

Cinnamic Aldehyde, the main monomer component of Cinnamon, exhibits anti‐inflammatory property in OA synovial fibroblasts via TLR4/MyD88 pathway

“…Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common degenerative joint disease and the leading cause of joint disability and persistent pain, affects 140 million people worldwide. 1 OA is characterized by synovial inflammation, progressive articular cartilage damage and thickening of the subchondral bone that leads to pain, swelling, dysfunction of the joint and diminished quality of life. 2 , 3 , 4 For a long time, articular cartilage degeneration was considered to play a crucial role in the progression of OA.…”