ADSORPTION OF BIOPOLYMERS ON SOLID-SURFACES

Among the biopolymers that function at the interface of connective tissues and cells or organs, collagen and the different proteoglycans are the most important. The function of these molecules is partly dependent on the conformation at the interface of which very little is known. The dynamic viscometer technique was used to obtain information on the behavior of collagen [rat tail] adsorbed onto a glass surface and later on chondroitin-4-sulfate [bovine nasal cartilage] adsorbed on the previously adsorbed collagen. Collagen adsorbed strongly on glass surface providing a thick monolayer as one would expect from a rigid rod molecule. The interaction between chondroitin-4-sulfate and collagen was strong enough to desorb collagen from the glass, but not when the collagen is cross-linked in situ.