Pore size distribution in collagen fiber using water vapor adsorption studies

The pore size distribution in collagen fibers was determined using the sorption characteristics of water vapor. Collagen fibers were found to have pores of radius ∼55 Å and micropore analysis showed that collagen has micropores of radius ∼4.5 Å. When the noncollagenous components were removed, the ∼55 Å radius pore was absent and there was a new pore of radius ∼75 Å. Neither the removal of noncollagenous components nor tanning caused any change in the micropore structure. © 1976.