In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or osteoarthritis in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the affected joint of the mammal. The biomimetic proteoglycan comprises a core structure and at least one bristle. The biomimetic proteoglycan resists endogenous enzymatic degradation and integrates with the existing tissue matrix.
