Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

In vitro Synthesis of Native, Fibrous Long Spacing and Segmental Long Spacing Collagen
Published on: September 20, 2012
Nanointerfacial strength between non-collagenous protein and collagen fibrils in antler bone
Fei Hang1, Himadri S Gupta, Asa H Barber
1Department of Materials, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, , Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
Abstract:
Antler bone displays considerable toughness through the use of a complex nanofibrous structure of mineralized collagen fibrils (MCFs) bound together by non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). While the NCP regions represent a small volume fraction relative to the MCFs, significant surface area is evolved upon failure of the nanointerfaces formed at NCP-collagen fibril boundaries. The mechanical properties of nanointerfaces between the MCFs are investigated directly in this work using an in situ atomic force microscopy technique to pull out individual fibrils from the NCP. Results show that the NCP-fibril interfaces in antler bone are weak, which highlights the propensity for interface failure at the nanoscale in antler bone and extensive fibril pullout observed at antler fracture surfaces. The adhesion between fibrils and NCP is additionally suggested as being rate dependent, with increasing interfacial strength and fracture energy observed when pullout velocity decreases.
Related Concept Videos
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
The Bone Matrix
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...

