Structure, function and biomedical significance of collagens
Journal Title: Annales Academiae Medicae Silesiensis - Year 2014, Vol 68, Issue 4
Abstract
Collagens are a family of fibrous proteins which are a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal organisms. These proteins are found in most tissues and organs (bones, cartilages, skin, ligaments, tendons, corneas). The main functions of collagens include the maintenance of structural integrity, elasticity and tensile strength of the connective tissue. Macromolecules from the collagen family are characterized by a unique structure rich in e.g. glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. The collagen structure consists of three left-handed polypeptide chains which are coiled around each other forming a right-handed rope-like super helix. This structure is stabilized by the presence of interstrand hydrogen bonds. To date, 29 types of collagen have been isolated and described. They differ from each other in structure, functions, and body distribution. Research development has allowed us to understand the structure and properties of native collagens which has resulted in the production of artificial collagen fibrils used in nanotechnology and biomedicine. Collagen materials are considered to be the most useful biomaterials in medicine because of their properties such as non-toxicity, low antigenicity, high biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Authors and Affiliations
Kamila Czubak, Halina Żbikowska
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP376528
- DOI -
- Views 76
- Downloads 0
Influence of steroid prophylaxis on prenatal and postnatal parameters in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction
INTRODUCTION: The administration of steroids during pregnancy up to 34 weeks accelerates the development of fetal lungs and stimulates surfactant production, therefore, it protects premature neonates against infant respi...
Viscosupplementation for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis – GA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Pain and limitation of joint movement are the most constant and troublesome symptoms of the joint patholog...
Osocze vs surowica – czy rodzaj materiału biologicznego ma wpływ na wyniki oznaczeń parathormonu?
WSTĘP: Materiałem biologicznym zalecanym do oznaczania parathormonu (parathyroid hormone – PTH) jest osocze krwi żylnej pobranej na wersenian sodowo-potasowy, jednak według producentów zestawów diagnostycznych do pomiaru...
Udział dróg migracji wybranych metali w intoksykacji kości osób zamieszkujących region Górnego Śląska
WSTĘP: Celem pracy była analiza zawartości kadmu, manganu, chromu, ołowiu, cynku i miedzi w tkance kostnej osób zamieszkujących miasta na terenie Górnego Śląska (Bytom, Katowice, Chorzów, Siemianowice Śląskie, Świętochło...
Ocena stężenia ATP w Candida albicans w procesie tworzenia form kiełkujących
WSTĘP: Candida albicans (C. albicans) wchodzi w skład naturalnej mikroflory organizmu człowieka. Jednocześnie jest jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn oportunistycznych grzybic systemowych. Candida albicans jest drobnoustroje...