Collagen Analysis

Collagen is a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix and the most abundant protein in animal bodies, accounting for about 30% of the total protein mass. It is a glycoprotein formed by three polypeptide α chains with Gly-XY repeat residues (Gly stands for glycine, X for proline, and Y for hydroxyproline), known for its triple helix structure. Over 28 types of collagen have been identified, with Type I collagen being the most abundant. It is commonly found in ligaments, tendons, skin, and bone tissue. Its mature, insoluble form gives it extraordinary strength, making it vital for the fluidity of living organisms. Collagen also has biochemical functions, affecting cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

Collagen can be broken down, transformed, and reabsorbed into the body, making it one of the best-selling supplements. It has a wide range of uses in medicine and cosmetics, such as:

1.Dermal fillers:Collagen injections can fill shallow depressions in the skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

2.Wound dressings:Collagen helps with wound healing by attracting new skin cells to the wound.

3.Periodontology:Collagen acts as a barrier to prevent rapidly growing gum tissue from developing into a tooth wound, giving the dental cells time needed for regeneration.

4.Vascular prostheses:Donor collagen tissue grafts have been used in reconstructing arteries, aiding peripheral nerve regeneration, and manufacturing vascular prostheses.

As a highly versatile material, collagen has been developed for wound care, burn care, orthopedic graft products, tissue engineering, hemostatic sponges, soft tissue enhancement injectables, as a drug delivery carrier, and as components in skin and hair care products. Depending on the source material and processing methods used for collagen, its chemical, physical, biological, immunological, or toxicological properties may change accordingly. Therefore, in the development or manufacturing of collagen-containing biomaterials, the most suitable testing methods are needed for collagen analysis to determine the properties of specific collagen materials and residues in the production process.

Goldberga, I. et al. Acc Chem Res. 2018.

Collagen characterization