A thermomechanical framework for reconciling the effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure time and wavelength on connective tissue elasticity

Augmentation of the mechanical properties of connective tissue using ultraviolet (UV) radiation—by targeting collagen cross-linking in the tissue at predetermined UV exposure time (Formula presented)$$(t)$$ (/Formula presented) and wavelength (Formula presented)$$(\lambda )$$ λ(/Formula presented)—has been proposed as a therapeutic method for supporting the treatment for structural-related injuries and pathologies. However, the effects of (Formula presented)$$\lambda $$ λ(/Formula presented) and (Formula presented)$$t$$ t(/Formula presented) on the tissue elasticity, namely elastic modulus for directing tissue stiffness and resilience. From a practical perspective, the study is a step in the direction to establish a UV irradiation treatment protocol for effective control of exogenous cross-linking in connective tissues.