Abstract
Collagen is the primary mediator of soft tissue biomechanics, and variations in its hierarchical structure convey the varying amounts of structural support necessary for organs to function normally. Here we have examined the structural response of corneal collagen to tensile load using X-rays to probe hierarchies ranging from molecular to fibrillar. We found a previously unreported deformation mechanism whereby molecules, which are helically arranged relative to the axis of their fibril, change in tilt akin to the manner in which a spring stretches. This "spring-like" mechanism accounts for a significant portion of the applied deformation at low strains (<3%). These findings will inform the future design of collagen-based artificial corneas being developed to address world-wide shortages of corneal donor tissue.
Highlights
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the mammalian body, and plays a primarily mechanical role in facilitating normal organ processes, whilst conveying structural integrity and⇑ Corresponding author at: School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff resistance to damage and injury
The molecular and fibrillar architecture of corneal collagen has been examined under tensile load
The fibrillar arrangement in the tare loaded state revealed preferential orientation in the superiorinferior and nasal-temporal directions in the central and paracentral cornea, changing to a circumferential preference through the periphery and into the limbus, which is in line with previous reports of unloaded human cornea with an intact scleral rim
Summary
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the mammalian body, and plays a primarily mechanical role in facilitating normal organ processes, whilst conveying structural integrity and⇑ Corresponding author at: School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff resistance to damage and injury. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the mammalian body, and plays a primarily mechanical role in facilitating normal organ processes, whilst conveying structural integrity and. The mechanical environments of each part of the body differ enormously, and it is through variations in the hierarchical structure of collagen and its interactions with cells and the extracellular matrix that these environments are maintained. The mechanical properties of collagen are of great interest, as many degenerative diseases and surgical procedures perturb the collagen network, leading to improper function.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
