Modelling the progression of osteoarthritis via alterations to synovial fluid mechanobiology and microbiome

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Synovial fluid (SF) is our articular joint lubricant and shock absorber as well as the source of nutrients for avascular articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that leads to irreversible damage of the joint. OA is the most common joint disease worldwide and it leads to severe pain and loss of joint function. Most OA-related research focuses on cartilage that wears down over time, however, it has been shown that multiple alterations of SF occur concomitantly during OA progression, among which significant variations in its chemical composition and lubricating properties. Additionally, although under normal physiological conditions, one expects the synovial space to be sterile, recent studies report the presence of micro-organisms, or microorganism-derived genetic material in the SF of both OA patients and more surprisingly healthy control subjects. The purpose of this project is to monitor SF microbiome alterations in situ (synovial pocket) and in real-time during OA progression. This project will not only help elucidate the relationship between microbiome composition, levels of inflammation, and viscosity of complex fluids but it will also reveal potential novel markers to track fluid alterations with multiple applications, especially for real-time OA monitoring and development of appropriate in-situ (drug delivery) treatment.