Collagen Structure and Mechanics [Hardcover]

Not only does this book provide a comprehensive review of current research advances in collagen structure and mechanics, it also explores this biological macromolecules many applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Readers gain an understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of type I collagen and collagen-based tissues in vertebrates across all length scales, from the molecular (nano) to the organ (macro) level.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics provides a cohesive introduction to this biological macromolecule and its many applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of materials, (bio-)engineering, physics, chemistry and biology will gain an understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of type I collagen and collagen-based tissues in vertebrates, across all length scales from the molecular (nano) to the organ (macro) level. Written in a clear and didactic manner, this volume includes current knowledge on the hierarchical structure, mechanical properties, in addition to a review of deformation and strengthening mechanisms.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics is an excellent reference for new researchers entering this area and serves as a basis for lecturing in the interdisciplinary field of biological materials science.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics, an Introduction.- Collagen Diversity, Synthesis and Assembly.- Collagen Fibrillar Structure and Hierarchies.- Restraining Cross-Links Responsible for the Mechanical Properties of Collagen Fibers: Natural and Artificial.- Damage and Fatigue.- Viscoelasticity, Energy Storage and Transmission and Dissipation by Extracellular Matrices in Vertebrates.- Nanoscale Deformation Mechanisms in Collagen.- Hierarchical Nanomechanics of Collagen Fibrils: Atomistic and Molecular Modeling.- Mechanical Adaptation and Tissue Remodeling.- Tendons and Ligaml³$