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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 26: Posters: Biomaterials and Biopolymers (joint with CPP)

BP 26.12: Poster

Mittwoch, 13. März 2013, 17:30–19:30, Poster C

Imaging nanoscale deformation processes in collagen networks of native tendons — •Sebastian Ködel¹, Martin Neumann¹, Anke Bernstein², and Robert Magerle¹ — ¹Chemische Physik, TU Chemnitz, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany — ²Department für Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Muskuloskelettales Forschungslabor, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany

A mechanical overload of tendons and ligaments leads often to a restriction of their functionality. To understand the nanoscale deformation processes in tendons under stress and relaxation, we use a microtensile testing device, which allows simultaneous imaging and measurements with atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the mechanical response. With this setup we study the deformation behaviour of individual collagen fibrils within about 10 µm thin slices of human tendons in native conditions. Series of AFM images reveal a large variety of deformation processes and the overall heterogeneous deformation behaviour. Our results show that individual collagen fibrils in a bundle are not permanently connected to each other and rearrange during deformation. AFM subsurface imaging experiments on individual collagen fibrils show evidence of a rearrangement of the tropocollagen molecules at large strain. We discuss the implications of these effects on the macroscopic mechanical properties of tendons.