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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
07:54
In vitro Synthesis of Native, Fibrous Long Spacing and Segmental Long Spacing Collagen
Published on: September 20, 2012
Electron microscope evidence for an 80 A unit in collagen fibrils
Nature
|November 8, 1979
Summary
Collagen fibril diameters in connective tissues approximate multiples of 80 Angstroms. This finding offers insights into collagen microfibril structure and packing in tissues like skin and tendon.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Connective Tissue Biology
Background:
- Connective tissues are complex structures with diverse components, including collagen, which is primarily fibrillar.
- Collagen fibril size varies significantly with age and tissue mechanical demands.
- The in vivo mechanism of collagen fibril formation remains largely unknown, despite in vitro polymerization studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the size distribution of collagen fibrils in various connective tissues.
- To correlate collagen fibril dimensions with tissue type and developmental stage.
- To explore the implications of fibril size for understanding collagen microfibril structure and packing.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of extensive electron microscope data.
- Measurement of collagen fibril diameters from multiple connective tissues (tendon, skin, cornea).
- Analysis of tissues from fetal and immature animals.
Main Results:
- Collagen fibril diameters were measured across diverse connective tissues.
- Observed fibril diameters consistently approximated multiples of 80 Angstroms.
- This size distribution was observed in tissues from both fetal and immature animals.
Conclusions:
- Collagen fibril diameters in connective tissues exhibit a characteristic size distribution.
- The observed diameters suggest a packing arrangement related to the collagen microfibril.
- This finding provides a basis for interpreting collagen fibril structure and formation in vivo.
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