Neutron diffraction studies on collagen

Abstract

Neutron diffraction from an ordered biological fibre is reported for the first time. Five orders of the meridional neutron diffraction pattern from a single collagen fibril have been observed using incident neutron wavelengths from 4 Å to 18 Å and the low camera D11 at Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble. Deuteration of the sample caused intensified diffraction in the fourth order reflection. The measurements suggest a wide range of similar studies on ordered biological structures.