Abstract

The range and nature of reactions that contribute to the stability of collagen are discLLssed in terms of the definition of tanning. Previous ideas of the origin of hydrothermal stability of modified collagen are included in the discussion. A new theory of the origin of hydrothermal stability is defined, based upon the relative contributions of entropic and enthalpic changes to collagen by interactive chemical processes. These changes culminate in stabilisation by the formation of matrices, that are capable of producing high hydrothermal stability. Ts> lOOC. The theory explains the whole range of observed effects in mineral (inorganic) and organic tanning reactions, thereby creating an inclusive, unifying model of collagen stabilisation. Furthermore, it allows not only prediction of the effects of any new tanning processes, mineral or organic, together with modifications to cLirrent processes, but also specifies where new chemistr ies might be sought, to achieve high hydrothermal stability.