The degradation could be due to either simple mechanical shearing of collagen or
possibly a mechanochemical effect where chemical reactions are induced by mechanical
actions such as fracture and deformation [43]. Collagen damaged in this manner may
contribute to the soluble fraction, which is otherwise predominately composed of NCPs.
This will result in a reduced yield of collagen in the insoluble fraction and a slower
observed rate of racemization in the pool of soluble protein