Biological components of synovial fluid and their concentration play a crucial role in the lubrication mechanism of artificial joints, particularly boundary lubrication. The purpose of this review was to summarise and critically analyse the lubrication mechanism and their tribological outcomes to artificial joints. Thirteen papers published between 01/01/2003 and 28/02/2013 met the inclusion criteria for the review. Four major biological components of synovial fluid (albumin, globulin, hyaluronic acid and lubricin) were found to have an influence on film thickness, friction coefficient and wear rate. The role of these components was reported to be varied, depending on not only their composition and concentration but also surface material properties, wettability, temperature and pressure. The findings suggest that an appropriate synovial fluid composition should be represented in a simulated body fluid in order to evaluate an implant material and subsequently to conduct biotribology tests. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT