Effects of a Pseudophysiological Environment on the Elastic and Viscoelastic Properties of Collagen Gels

Figure 6

Proposed molecular mechanism involved during the collagen gel stretching when applying a tensile load F. Four regions can be identified: (A) “toe region” (low strains), (B) “heel region” (nonlinear region), (C) linear region (small arrows symbolize friction), and (D) rupture of the gel.