Abstract
Collagen fibers are the structural elements found in all connective tissues where they are separated by the interfibrillar matrix containing proteoglycans (PGs), glycoproteins, cells and water. The purpose of this project is to reconstitute type I collagen fibers in the presence and absence of dextran sulfate (DS), an analog of the sugar components of PGs. Fibers are characterized using polarizing microscopy based on birefringence retardation. Mechanical strength, swelling ratio and shrinkage temperature of the fibers are also determined. Preliminary results indicate that in the presence of high molecular weight DS, fiber formation is inhibited.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages | 86-89 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| State | Published - 1987 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Bioengineering