Second harmonic generation analysis of the variable assembly of ageing collagen fibers in rabbit and its role in mechanical behavior
2012
Abstract
Collagen as the most abundant protein in mammals plays a crucial role in biochemical and biomechanical processes; especially the biomechanical significance is phenomenal. The inner organization and shape of fibres reflects the mechanical properties of the tissue [1], though the precise mechanisms in vivo remain unravelled.Visualisation methods such as confocal laser scanning microscopy together with polarisation microscopy and second harmonic generation (SHG) enable one to display certain non-centrosymmetric molecular structures.
This approach seems to be ideal as a supporting method for loading tests.