Changes in collagen structure under the influence of mechanical dispersion
Dubinskaia, A.M.; Segalova, N.E.; Belavtseva, E.M.; Kabanova, T.A.; Istranov, L.P.
Biofizika 25(4): 610-614
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3029 PMID: 6251918 Document Number: 167828
Air-dry collagen isolated from cattle retinal layer by means of alkaline-salt treatment was crushed in a laboratory vibro-mill at 80-150 degrees K. Mechanochemical transformations were studied by means of viscosimetry, polarimetry, ESR-spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Mechanical tensions induce breakage of covalent bonds of polypeptide chains, accompanied by a decrease of protein molecular mass, and of lateral interactions, which results in loosening of collagen structure and partial denaturation.