Not only does this book provide a comprehensive review of current research advances in collagen structure and mechanics, it also explores this biological macromolecule¿s many applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Readers gain an understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of type I collagen and collagen-based tissues in vertebrates across all length scales, from the molecular (nano) to the organ (macro) level.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics, an Introduction.- Collagen Diversity, Synthesis and Assembly.- Collagen Fibrillar Structure and Hierarchies.- Restraining Cross-Links Responsible for the Mechanical Properties of Collagen Fibers: Natural and Artificial.- Damage and Fatigue.- Viscoelasticity, Energy Storage and Transmission and Dissipation by Extracellular Matrices in Vertebrates.- Nanoscale Deformation Mechanisms in Collagen.- Hierarchical Nanomechanics of Collagen Fibrils: Atomistic and Molecular Modeling.- Mechanical Adaptation and Tissue Remodeling.- Tendons and Ligaments: Structure, Mechanical Behavior and Biological Function.- Collagen in Arterial Walls: Biomechanical Aspects.- The Extracellular Matrix of Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle.- The Cornea and Sclera.- Collagen and the Mechanical Properties of Bone and Calcified Cartilage.- Dentin.- Genetic Collagen Diseases: Influence of Collagen Mutations on Structure and Mechanical Behavior.- Biomimetic Collagen Tissues: Collagenous Tissue Engineering and Other Applications.