Conception of a bioelectromagnetic signal system via the collagen fibril network; Biochemical conclusions and underlying coherent mechanism. I. Solid state effects and hierarchical bioelectrical regulation

This paper presents a bioelectrical conception of connective tissue regulation in bone, cartilage, and tendon as well as other mechanically stressed connective tissues, based on the biological hypothesis of a biosensor and nerve-like signal conducting function of the native collagen fibril in the extracellular matrix. The proposed bioelectrical collagen function and its interdisciplinary test offer a new approach to various clinically important questions. This first paper (Part I) presents the topic in the form of classical biophysics and physicochemistry. Part II attempts to make good use of the concept in discussing the "living state'' of the extracellular matrix and the biochemical aspects of acid and neutral protease activity, as well as nanoelectronic, relativistic, and coherent aspects of connective tissue regulation.