Studies have shown that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structural support and playing a key role in the integrity of various tissues. Atelocollagen is obtained by removing telopeptide regions from native collagen, making this material less immunogenic and more suitable for biomedical applications. This modified form preserves collagen's natural triple helix structure, ensuring it maintains biological functionality while minimizing the risk of adverse immune reactions. The versatility and biocompatibility of human atelocollagen type I make it ideal for creating functional biomatrices for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and advanced drug delivery systems. The unique properties of human atelocollagen type I allow it to be used in a variety of medical and scientific fields. One of its primary advantages is the ability to create highly ordered three-dimensional scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds provide an environment conducive to the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of relevant cells during tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, atelocollagen's biodegradability ensures that it is gradually absorbed by the body, reducing the need for surgical removal after the desired therapeutic effect has been achieved. Studies have found that the ability of type I human atelocollagen to support cell growth and differentiation makes it have great potential in the field of tissue engineering. When used as a tissue scaffold, atelocollagen can combine with a variety of cell types to create bioengineered tissues with complete functions. Similarly, in bone tissue engineering, scaffolds formed from atelocollagen can also help patients regenerate bone in the event of fractures or bone defects by binding and attaching osteoblasts or mesenchymal stem cells. Another important application for human atelocollagen type I is in the development of advanced drug delivery systems. The good biocompatibility and biodegradability of atelocollagen make it an ideal carrier for loading a variety of drugs (including small molecules, proteins and nucleic acids).
Figure 1. The process of forming atelocollagen from type I collagen. (Coradin T, et al.; 2020)
In the field of regenerative medicine, type I human atelocollagen has great potential in treating cardiovascular diseases. Atelocollagen scaffolds can be used to create bioengineered vascular grafts that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of native blood vessels. In the field of regenerative medicine, human atelocollagen type I has shown promise in the development of treatments for cardiovascular diseases. For example, it can be used to create bioengineered vascular grafts that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of natural blood vessels. These grafts can be used to replace or repair damaged blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease, providing a more effective, biocompatible alternative to synthetic grafts. Furthermore, atelocollagen can be used to deliver therapeutic agents, such as angiogenic factors, to promote the formation of new blood vessels in ischemic tissue and improve blood flow and tissue function. Through the exploration of the application of human atelocollagen type I, it was discovered that the potential of human atelocollagen type I can be used not only in the field of tissue engineering and drug delivery, but also in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Interestingly, atelocollagen can act as a filler for restoring skin volume and improving wrinkles and scars. Among them, the good biocompatibility and ability to bind to surrounding tissues of atelocollagen make it safe to achieve facial rejuvenation and soft tissue enhancement functions. Additionally, atelocollagen-based materials could be used in reconstructive surgeries to repair and regenerate tissue lost due to injury, disease, or birth defects, improving patient function and aesthetic outcomes. The application scope of type I human atelocollagen is also further expanded due to its easy modification and functionalization. By incorporating bioactive molecules such as growth factors, cytokines or antimicrobial agents into atelocollagen-based biological matrices, researchers can create multifunctional materials with enhanced therapeutic properties. For example, an atelocollagen scaffold containing growth factors that accelerate tissue healing and regeneration may be used, while an atelocollagen scaffold containing antimicrobial agents that prevent infection may be used. This versatility makes atelocollagen a valuable tool in the development of next-generation biomaterials for a wide range of medical and scientific applications.
Alternate Names:
Atelocollagen
Type I Atelocollagen
Collagen type I, atelocollagen variant
References:
1. Coradin T, et al.; Type I Collagen-Fibrin Mixed Hydrogels: Preparation, Properties and Biomedical Applications. Gels. 2020, 6(4):36.
2. Sano A, et al.; Atelocollagen for protein and gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2003, 55(12):1651-77.
Atelocollagen as a potential carrier of therapeutics
Postepy Hig Med Dosw
Authors: Wysocki T, Sacewicz I, Wiktorska M, Niewiarowska J.
Abstract
Collagen is a very abundant protein that makes up about 25% of the total protein in animal organisms. Of the 28 types of collagen described so far, type I is the most common. Applying collagen in medical treatment is dangerous and may be harmful to patients due to its high immunoreactivity and the risk of contamination with viruses or prions. The immunogenicity of collagen I can be significantly reduced by digestion with pepsin, resulting in the release of telopeptides containing mostly antigenic epitopes. The major product of the digestion is called atelocollagen, which was used for the first time in tissue engineering already in the 1970s. Recent data indicate that due to its rare properties, such as low immunogenicity, liquid state at 4 degrees C, and solid state at 37 degrees C as well as its strong positive charge (pI 9), it may be used as a carrier of negatively charged proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, such complexes of atecollagen/therapeutics are easy to obtain and, depending upon the concentration of atelocollagen, they may be used to provide therapeutics to the organism locally or in a systemic manner. In this review the practical application of atelocollagen used as a carrier of proteins and nucleic acids (plasmids, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, and siRNA) to treat inherited diseases and cancers is critically discussed. The observations described indicate that it is an optimal vehicle to transport medication which may be used in vivo with very limited risk. Therefore, atelocollagen has the potential to contribute significantly to the further development of gene therapy.
Autologous Collagen-Induced Chondrogenesis: From Bench to Clinical Development
Medicina (Kaunas)
Authors: Chun YS, Kim SA, Kim YH, Lee JH, Shetty AA, Kim SJ.
Abstract
Microfracture is a common technique that uses bone marrow components to stimulate cartilage regeneration. However, the clinical results of microfracture range from poor to good. To enhance cartilage healing, several reinforcing techniques have been developed, including porcine-derived collagen scaffold, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan. Autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis (ACIC) is a single-step surgical technique for cartilage regeneration that combines gel-type atelocollagen scaffolding with microfracture. Even though ACIC is a relatively new technique, literature show excellent clinical results. In addition, all procedures of ACIC are performed arthroscopically, which is increasing in preference among surgeons and patients. The ACIC technique also is called the Shetty-Kim technique because it was developed from the works of A.A. Shetty and S.J. Kim. This is an up-to-date review of the history of ACIC.
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