In the Media

Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have found a “unique atomic-level interaction that shields collagen from the damaging effects of water molecules,” reports Mrigakshi Dixit for Interesting Engineering. “Proteins deteriorate when the peptide bonds that link the component amino acids are attacked by water molecules, which results in the cleavage of the peptide bonds,” explains Prof. Ronald Raines. “We discovered a chemical interaction in collagen that protects its peptide bonds from attack and cleavage.”