Collagen is the most common protein in all vertebrates, is the most important protein of the connective tissue. 25 – 30 % of all the proteins in mammals, 70 % and even 10 % of our total weight. Collagen molecules are divided into 21 different types of different sequences, molecular weight, structure and function. Mostly occured collagen is type I and II, in the skin, bones, tendons, cornea, fibrous tissue and articular cartilage. Collagen is not toxic, evinces very weak antigenicity (ability to cause immunological reactions of an organism) and high biodegradability, because degrades it´s own peptides and aminoacids on a body. Unique is in particular in it´s ability to create very strong, stable, insoluble fibres with structure of a right-hander helix consisting of three almost identical polypeptide α-chains with repetitive amino acid composition (Gly) n – X – Y. Molecules are extremely rich in glycine (26 to 28 %) and proline (15 %). It’s very malleable, it´s possible to influence its absorbability, and most of it´s physical, physico-chemical and mechanical properties can be adjusted in order to fully comply with the required purposes. Use of collagen has its origins in physiological proximity or identity with the applied collagen, collagen resorbability and ability to retain water.
Why is collagen used in food industry, cosmetics, health, pharmacy, laboratory and research? Collagen in FOOD INDUSTRY, which is contained in food supplements in the freeze-dried or powdered form serves as a nutrition for joints and fibrous tissues and helps to improve the sinews of cartilage. Collagen in COSMETIC INDUSTRY added to cosmetic products very effectively helps to hydrate the skin, to prevent the natural formation of wrinkles and aging. Collagen has a significant position in MEDICINE and BIOMEDICAL APLICATIONS, due to its fibrous structure, high tensile strength, controllabe networking and possibility of digestion with the enzymes of the human body. The most frequently is used as a shield and carrier of stimulating substances which come locally into the wound and release gradually during healing. Also is used in pharmacy as a carrier of medicines which which need a gradual release, such as ophthalmology, and hormonal treatment. As a cell carrier in recent time the collagen is used for tissue engineering.