Disorder/order and the asymmetry/symmetry transition observed in laboratory produced collagen membranes

G. RUDERMAN; I. G. MOGILNER; E. J. TOLOSA; N. E. MASSA; J. R. GRIGERA; M. GARAVAGLIA

Symmetry: Art and Science

ISIS-Symmetry and SEMA Congress

Lugar: New York; Año: 2007 p. 420 - 423

A novel biomaterial made of collagen, that would presumably be useful in medicine was recently presented `[1]. This material is a membrane made of the protein, ordered at a molecular level. Collagen is a highly occuring protein in several body tissues and the molecule has a cylindrical geometry. It first arranges in fibrils, then into fibers, to finally conform very ordered  aggregates like the skin. Each aggregates possed its own pattern according  to the relevant function. Collagen membranes, with no molecular order, have already been used for several purposes, even  in industry. Two alternative methods to produce soluble collagen and then ordered membranes were patented in 1999 and 2006, respectively [2]. UV and IR spectra reveal a highly purity degree of the material . Optical, Laser Scanning and Electronic mocroscopic observations and laser diffraction experiments show a high level of order in the obtained membranes. A few details in the observed experimental images are the base to intend an analysis of the disorder/order or asymmetry/symmetry transitions in these membranes.