Collagen Extraction

Hi everyone!

i am new to the whole biochemistry world and am attempting to extract collagen from arterial tissue. I have all the protocols in place and the techniques researched the only thing i am missing is the understanding as to what i am actually doing!!

i was hoping somebody might be able to provide me with a link to some literature explaining how each type of soluble collage i.e. salt, acid and pepsin are actually extracted on a molecular level? Is it the bonds that are destroyed??

Also does any body know if there as a direct link between the differt types of soluble collagen and the mechanical properties of arterial tissue i.e. strength, stiffness etc.

Hope somebody can point me in the right direction cannot find any literature that is simplified enough to just explain it in a straight forward manner!

Thanks!