The ‘brick-and-mortar foundation’ component of the skin | Recombinant humanised type I collagen
- Type I collagen is the most widely distributed type of collagen in the skin, accounting for 60-70% of the total, and is the core collagen that constitutes the structure and contour of the dermis. It is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin's tissue structure
- Compared to Type III collagen, Type I collagen exhibits a robust fibrous structure, primarily providing mechanical stress and strength to the dermis.
- Similar to a ‘foundation’ or ‘brickwork,’ Type I collagen is used to maintain the skin's basic structure. Its loss typically occurs during the later stages of aging, and the absence of Type I collagen can lead to deepening and worsening wrinkles, as well as sagging and collapse of the epidermis.
Type I collagen is an important protein that is widely present in the connective tissue of the human body. Collagen is a type of macromolecular protein rich in amino acids, with good structural stability and biocompatibility. Type I collagen is the most common type of collagen and also the most important one.
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The Functions of Type I Collagen
Type I collagen performs multiple functions in the human body. First, it helps maintain structural stability. In the skin, the presence of type I collagen provides support and reinforcement to tissue structures, keeping the skin firm and elastic. Additionally, it is a primary component of bones, imparting strength and durability to them.
Secondly, type I collagen plays a crucial role in wound healing. When the skin is injured or damaged, type I collagen forms fibrous scars at the wound site, filling in damaged tissue and promoting wound healing. It also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, providing the wound with more oxygen and nutrients, thereby accelerating the wound repair process.
In addition, type I collagen can also provide support at the cellular level. It can construct a cellular support matrix that serves as a platform for cell adhesion and communication, providing cells with an environment suitable for growth and expansion. This is crucial for the normal function and development of cells.
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Distribution of Type I Collagen in the Human Body
1. Type I Collagen in the Skin
Type I collagen plays a crucial role in the skin. It constitutes the majority of the skin's protein content and is the primary structural protein of the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, not only protecting internal organs from external harm but also regulating body temperature and maintaining water balance.
Type I collagen provides elasticity and flexibility to the skin through its unique molecular structure. It helps keep the skin firm and elastic, reducing wrinkles and skin sagging. As we age, the content of type I collagen gradually decreases, leading to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and skin sagging. Therefore, many skincare products and cosmetic surgeries utilise type I collagen to improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
2. Type I collagen in bones
In addition to skin, type I collagen also plays an important role in bones. Bones form the body's support system, providing structure and protecting internal organs. Type I collagen is the primary component of bone tissue, accounting for over 90% of bone mass.
It forms fibrous structures that connect the countless small particles of bone, giving bones strength and durability. Additionally, type I collagen can attract and retain calcium ions, making bones stronger and more stable. When a fracture occurs, type I collagen also plays a crucial role at the wound site, aiding in fracture healing and the reconstruction of bone structure.
3. Type I collagen in blood vessels and internal organs
In addition to its distribution in skin and bones, type I collagen is widely present in the blood vessels and internal organ tissues of the human body. In blood vessels, type I collagen, along with other proteins, forms the structural framework of the vessel walls, maintaining their shape and stability. Additionally, it enhances the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels, enabling them to withstand the continuous pressure from the heart.
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Applications of Type I Collagen
1. Clinical Applications
Type I collagen has a wide range of applications in the medical field. It is used in clinical treatments for wound healing, trauma repair, and fracture healing. Since type I collagen can help with cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, doctors often use collagen preparations after surgery to promote wound healing. Additionally, in the treatment of certain diseases, type I collagen is also used as an adjunctive therapy to drugs or treatment methods.
2. Applications in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery
Type I collagen is also widely used in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. Many cosmetic procedures utilise Type I collagen to fill wrinkles, sculpt facial contours, and enhance facial lines. This application is highly popular in anti-ageing and aesthetic surgery fields because Type I collagen provides natural results and is a component of the human body, thereby reducing discomfort and risks associated with surgery.
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Experiments with type I collagen
