Effect of UV irradiation on surface of collagen film

Abstract

It is well known that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered to be one of the most hazardous external factor that induces skin damage, leading in some cases to skin carcinoma. The most abundant protein in human skin tissue is collagen, which is responsible for conferring strength and resiliency. Taking into account these aspects, the present paper study the influence of the UV-irradiation on surface of a collagen film. Thus, the surface modification of the collagen film after irradiation was monitored with the help of the FTIR spectroscopy in close correlation with contact angle determinations and profilometry analysis. The obtained data reveal that after UV-irradiation, the collagen film has shown different structural changes which depend on the irradiation time. At short irradiation time, some cleavage and reorganization of the surface structural groups take place, but in contrast, the highest radiation exposure led to degradation.