Interactions between surfaces are ubiquitous phenomena in living organisms.\nNature has developed sophisticated strategies for lubricating these systems, increasing their\nefficiency and life span. This includes the use of water-based lubricants, such as saliva and\nsynovial fluid. These fluids overcome the limitations of water as a lubricant by the\npresence of molecules such as proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides. Such molecules may\nalter surface interactions through different mechanisms. They can increase viscosity\nenabling fluid-film lubrication. Moreover, molecules adsorb on the surfaces providing\nmechanisms for boundary lubrication and preventing wear. The mentioned molecules have\ntypical sizes in the nanometer range. Their interaction, as well as the interaction with the\nentrapping surfaces, takes place through forces in the range of nanonewtons. It is therefore\nnot surprising that the investigation of these systems have been boosted by development of\ntechniques such as scanning probe microscopies and the surface force apparatus which\nallow studying tribological processes at the nanoscale. Indeed, these approaches have\ngenerated an enormous amount of studies over the last years. The aim of this review is to\nperform a critical analysis of the current stage of this research, with a main focus on studies\non synovial joints and the oral cavity.
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