Collagen type 1

Collagen type 1 is a fibrillar collagen consisting of three alpha chains. Together these form a triple helix, which gives the extracellular matrix (ECM) its tensile strength. The heterotrimeric helix consists of two alpha 1 chains and one alpha 2 chain. The triple helices aggregate and form fibrils. In-vivo, the fibrils polymerise into fibres in order to form tissue like tendons or dermis.

Collagen type 1 is the most common matrix protein in the human body. This is why it is very often used for tissue construction or tissue cultivation (tissue engineering), in regenerative medicine and for pharmaceutical applications. In recent years, demand has risen for collagen type 1 for these applications.

Collagen NF from meidrix biomedicals

Collagen type 1 is produced from tissue from mammals (cattle, pigs, horses and rats) and from non-mammals (fish, amphibians). To do this, the collagen type 1 is extracted with acid or enzymes. However, if the enzyme pepsin is used in this process, this can lead to a significant reduction in the native fibre cross-linking activity of the collagen, as a result of which it forms a less in-vivo-like gel.

Native collagens (i.e. collagens not extracted with pepsin) have a high degree of cross-linking, while pepsinated collagen solutions form a less in-vivo-like gel. For this reason, meidrix biomedicals only uses weak acid for extraction of its collagen NF. Under acidic conditions (low pH value) the fibres dissociate into soluble fibrils. Due to the change into a neutral pH range the fibrils polymerise into fibres. This polymerisation generates a three-dimensional collagen gel. The degree of nativity of the collagen defines the degree of fibre cross-linking.

Collagen is often used in 3D cell culture for modelling of the biological matrix or as a coating for promotion of cell adhesion. Many cells naturally grow in a three-dimensional environment. During in-vitro cultivation, cells are bonded to a two-dimensional surface and and potentially display different behaviour than in a 3D gel matrix. In many cases a 3D environment is closer to an in-vivo situation, which should be taken into account in the planning of cell culture tests.

Latest developments in research have enabled the production of collagen scaffolds in various forms, such as sponges, nonwoven nanofibres, membranes and hydrogels with or without further biomaterials. These scaffolds are used, among other things, to develop substitute tissue materials for the regeneration or repair of diseased or damaged tissues. The 3D scaffolds are also used for the development of in-vitro models and as a delivery vehicle for drugs or active ingredients.

Our collagen products – an overview

We produce our high-quality collagen type 1 from rat tail tendons. We extract it with acid and thus ensure that the collagen is as close as possible to the collagen type 1 found naturally in the human body. We offer it as a liquid product with a collagen content of 5 or 10 mg/ml.

Collagen-NF, 5 mg/ml

Collagen-NF, 10 mg/ml

Please note:

The meidrix biomedicals products Collagen-NF 5 and 10 mg/ml are only permitted to be used in research and development.
We are happy to supply additional concentrations and volumes on request.

Also available

Latest progress in collagen research has now enabled the production of collagen scaffolds in various forms. These include sponges, nonwoven nanofibres, membranes and hydrogels with or without further biomaterials. These 3D scaffolds are used, among other things, as substitute tissue materials for the regeneration or repair of diseased or damaged tissues. They are also used for the development of in-vitro models and as a delivery vehicle for drugs or active ingredients.

• Lyophilised powder
• Nonwovens
• Sponge
• Sponge with granulate
• Membrane
• Lyophilised membrane
• Membrane with magnesium rods