Films of self-assembled purely helical type I collagen molecules

Abstract

The structural, morphological and chemical–physical characterization of films constituted of self-assembled non-helical region free type I collagen molecules has been investigated. The results indicate the presence of information at the molecular level which allow collagen I molecules to self-assemble. In the fiber formation process the collagen molecules re-establish the greater part of the native intermolecular cross-links. The films, obtained by air drying the fiber suspension, are water insoluble and characterized by a high mechanical performance. The mechanical and thermal properties of the films increase strongly as a function of the collagen fiber orientation induced in the films by uniaxial stretching.