Abstract

Interaction between sulpho-syntans and collagen represents a specific case of interaction between two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (PEL) resulting in polyelectrolyte complex formation. The specificity of this interaction relates to the fact that collagen (a polyampholyte having a spatially arranged structure of its own) must be converted into a polycation by means of protonisation and also that the whole process is complicated by heterogeneous conditions. In spite of this specificity, the interaction must conform to the general rules of formation of polyelectrolyte complexes for which electrostatic Coulomb’s forces control combination in the initial phase.