Science and Technology of Collagen

Collagens constitute the major structural component of the extracellular matrix of every tissue and make up nearly one-third of the total human proteins. With a unique triple helical structure, and nearly 28 different types encoded by almost 43 genes, collagen constitutes its large family. Synthesized from its precursor procollagen molecules, these wide variety of proteins demonstrate quite a variation in the structure of the helix with interruptions as well as different orientation, and their property of self-assembly gives rise to characteristics of α-helical chains further forming the complex collagen fibrils. Collagens present unique properties of having high tensile strength, sturdy, water insoluble, viscoelastic, high water retention capacity, flexible length, excellent biocompatibility as well as biodegradability, and weak immunogenicity, all of which contribute to defining collagen as one of the most apt biomaterial for tissue engineering. Thus, collagen and its different types, based on their property and application, have been used to fabricate biomaterials, based on collagen scaffolds, by the use of a variety of biopolymers and the targeted cell type to generate viable and proliferative biological grafts, hydrogels, biofilms, and bioinks to develop tissue replacements and even generate an entire biofabricated tissue. Thus, the current chapter summarizes an overall perspective of collagens as biomolecules.