Special Issue: Orthopedics and Biotribology

Biotribology-the study of friction, wear, and lubrication in biological systems-has become a cornerstone of innovation in healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced materials development.As the demand for longer-lasting implants, biomimetic surfaces, and sustainable biomedical solutions accelerates, the need for truly interdisciplinary research in this field is increasingly vital.Tribological solutions are key to improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.Within this context, the ASME Journal of Tribology has initiated a Special Issue on Orthopedics and Biotribology, resulting in the submission of 18 research articles and 1 review article spanning implant contact mechanics and failure, cartilage and soft tissue lubrication, tribological characterization of orthopedic and prosthetic materials and coatings, quantitative wear assessment in joint replacements, and emerging applications in spinal biomechanics and haptic interfaces.Within the scope of developing novel reinforced composites for improved biotribological performance, Nayak and Sinha et al. investigated nylon-and polyethylene-fiber-reinforced UHMWPE composites under dry sliding and demonstrated the inclusion of fibers in superior mechanical properties, enhanced wear resistance, and a significantly reduced friction coefficient compared with neat UHMWPE.Issa and Faheed et al. developed pumpkin-and hydroxyapatite-reinforced chitosan/polycaprolactone biocomposite coatings for metallic implants, demonstrating improved surface wettability, reduced bacterial adhesion, and enhanced cell proliferation, thereby advancing infection-resistant, bioactive implant surfaces.Sankar and Paulraj et al. optimized