Effects of Microstructural Changes on the Mechanical Properties of Collagen Fascicles

摘要

The fascicles obtained from mouse tail tendons were stirred in saline solution, and interfibrous matrices were removed from the fascicles. Other fascicles were immersed in 37°C collagenase solution for 1 or 2 hours, and collagen molecules in the fascicles were decomposed. These specimens were stretched to failure. Removal of interfibrous matrices decreased the tensile strength of fascicles but did not change the strain at failure. On the other hand, decomposition of collagen molecules decreased the tensile strength and strain at failure.