Covalent Cross-Linking Accelerates Collagen Enzyme Mechano-Kinetic Cleavage: Nanomechanics Predicts Microscale Behavior

Abstract

Fibrillar collagens are an integral structural element of tissues throughout the body and help provide tensile strength. These collagens are highly resistant to degradation other than by a small number of collagenolytic enzymes. Examples of tensile mechanical forces in vivo include expansion and contraction of blood vessels, tension on tendons and ligaments, and compression and swelling of cartilage.