Collagen is the major insoluble fibrous protein in the extracellular matrix and in connective tissue. In fact, it is the single most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. There are at least 16 types of collagen, but 80 – 90 percent of the collagen in the body consists of types I, II, and III . These collagen molecules pack together to form long thin fibrils of similar structure. At one time it was thought that all collagens were secreted by fibroblasts in connective tissue, but we now know that numerous epithelial cells make certain types of collagens. The various collagens and the structures they form all serve the same purpose, to help tissues withstand stretching.

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen of the human body which forms large, eosinophilic fibers known as collagen fibers. It is present in scar tissue, the end product when tissue heals by repair, as well as tendons, ligaments, the endomysium of myofibrils, the organic part of bone, the dermis, the dentin and organ capsules.


This product is an insoluble collagen preparation. It is insoluble in water, aqueous buffers, dilute acid, and organic solvents. For use as a substrate in collagenase assays, this collagen can be prepared as a suspension in 50 mM TES buffer, pH 7.4 with 0.36 mM calcium chloride.

Store at 4^oC. For long-term storage, store at -20^oC. Protect from light and humidity.