Unveiling the Hidden Strength: The Resilience Within

Researchers at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) have discovered that collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, contains sacrificial bonds that snap more quickly than the basic structure, protecting the tissue as a whole. These weak bonds rupture under mechanical stress, localizing damage and minimizing negative impacts on the wider tissue. The findings shed light on collagen's rupture mechanisms, which could aid in understanding tissue degradation, material aging, and advancing tissue engineering techniques. Collagen's sacrificial bonds play a vital role in maintaining the overall integrity of the material and can potentially be enhanced to mitigate damage and enhance resilience.