A nanomechanics based investigation into interface thermomechanics of collagen and chitin based biomaterials

Abstract

From the biological/chemical perspective, interface concepts related to cell surface/synthetic biomaterial interface and extracellular matrix/biomolecule interface have wide applications in medical and biological technology. Interfaces control biological reactions, and provide unique organic microenvironments that can enhance specific affinities, as well as self-assembly in the interface plane that can be used to orient and space molecules with precision. Interfaces also play a significant role in determining structural integrity and mechanical creep and strength properties of biomaterials. Structural arrangement of interfaces combined with interfacial interaction between organic and inorganic phases significantly affects the mechanical properties of biological materials, allowing in particular for a unique combination of seemingly “in-consistent” properties, such as fracture strength and tensile strength being both high—as opposed to traditional engineering materials, which have high fracture strength linked to low tensile strength and vice-versa. This work presents a framework to understand this correlation by presenting a quantified information regarding the effect of interfaces on overall mechanical deformation of two widely simulated materials systems based on Collagen-Hydroxyapatite and Chitin-Calcite interfaces. Analyses point out specific role of interface chemistries in the effect the interfaces have on overall structural mechanical properties.