Effects of tissue hydration on nanoscale structural morphology and mechanics of individual Type I collagen fibrils in the Brtl mouse model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

ABSTRACT: Type I collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, and is a vital part of the extracellular matrix for numerous tissues. Despite collagen's importance, little is known about its nanoscale morphology in tissues and how morphology relates to mechanical function. This study probes nanoscale structure and mechanical properties of collagen as a function of disease in native hydrated tendons. Wild type tendon and tendon from the Brtl/+ mouse model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta were investigated. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to image and indent minimally-processed collagen fibrils in hydrated and dehydrated conditions. AFM was used because of the ability to keep biological tissues as close to their native in situ conditions as possible. The study demonstrated phenotypic difference

SUBMITTER: Kemp AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3685442 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature