Modification of collagen films by ultraviolet irradiation

This work describes photochemical modification of collagen films, which are widely used in medical and consumer applications. Modification of collagen films by UV irradiation (254 nm) was investigated using differential scann ing calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the den aturation temperature of collagen decreased during irradiation and the surf ace of the films was changed. Changes of denaturation temperature and surfa ce of films under UV irradiation point to the loss of water bonded to colla gen. This is confirmed by UV spectra. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.