Tension tests on mammalian collagen fibrils

Abstract

A brief overview of isolated collagen fibril mechanics testing is followed by presentation of the first results testing fibrils isolated from load-bearing mammalian tendons using a microelectromechanical systems platform. The in vitro modulus (326±112 MPa) and fracture stress (71±23 MPa) are shown to be lower than previously measured on fibrils extracted from sea cucumber dermis and tested with the same technique. Scanning electron microscope images showthe fibrils can fail with a mechanism that involves circumferential rupture, whereas the core of the fibril stays at least partially intact.