Translational and Rotational Dynamics of Water Molecules in Aligned Collagenous Tissues: Implications for Assessing Collagen Organisation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

This thesis investigates the restricted rotational and translational dynamics of water molecules as they interact with collagen fibre networks. Knowledge of the relationship between these motions and the magnetic resonance proton signal can be used to determine collagen fibre organisation in anisotropic, collagen-rich tissues. Both experimental magnetic resonance techniques and theoretical computer simulations were used to probe water-collagen interactions. The results of this work allow for a more comprehensive analysis of collagen organisation, and changes to this organisation as a result of biomechanical load, in collagen-rich tissues using magnetic resonance imaging.