Scientists’ efforts to delve deeper into the potential of this unique natural material are likely to yield a wave of collagen-based innovations for different markets, says Rousselot’s Science Integration Manager, Catarina Ferreira da Silva.
Collagen’s current reputation in health and nutrition, rests largely on what it does for strength and flexibility. This explains why solutions such as Peptan® or Colartix® are making a difference in areas like sports performance, mobility, healthy aging and beauty from within. In the biomedical field, our X-Pure® portfolio – a range of pharmaceutical-grade, customizable, low-endotoxin gelatins suitable for many biomedical applications – is used because of its batch-to-batch consistency and high purity. But these gelatin and collagen applications are only the beginning, says Catarina.
Collagen communicates messages inside our bodies
We are discovering that collagen plays a far bigger role in our bodies than we assumed. Collagen influences cell behavior by communicating messages within the body. For example, we are finding that collagen peptides can regulate certain metabolic pathways, such as bone metabolism. Collagen is a holistic protein whose impact on different aspects of our health may turn out to be much greater than we know today. As we continue to research and innovate, we may find applications that will positively influence our sleep or our gut health. It may even contribute to the prevention of specific diseases. While it’s impossible to predict all the possibilities, the potential is clearly emerging in current scientific research.
Writing health messages with the collagen alphabet
Catarina compares the work of scientists unlocking the potential of collagen to that of a child learning the alphabet in order to be able to read an incredible story: the story of how our body functions and achieves balance. Nature is highly efficient when it comes to storing and transmitting information. The same molecule can carry different types of messages depending on its amino acid sequence and configuration. The collagen molecule is an excellent example of that. When in its 3D, triple helix structure, it resembles a tight rope providing the stability and flexibility our tissues need. But our body can also able to cut the collagen molecule into little pieces, releasing bioactive collagen peptides, whose amino acid sequence can then be used as messengers to trigger cells to behave in a certain way. By learning how to interpret the different messages encoded by the amino acid sequences, meaning the collagen alphabet, we can develop new collagen-based products that support different areas of our well-being.Working on consistency, predictability and customization
Collagen is an incredible biomaterial for biomedical applications. However, scientists are often wary of natural products due to batch variability, difficulties in purification and quality control. Natural products are often seen as a ‘black box’ and collagen is no exception. There are many different types of collagen, and because it is a natural material, no two batches are the same. So, consistency can be a challenge. That is why our production team goes through great lengths to achieve batch-to-batch consistency.Beyond that, another challenge is customization. Once you achieve consistency, the next question we get is, "Can you make it according to the specifications I need?" Different applications require different biological and mechanical properties. We are currently exploring how different forms of processing can lead to the exact properties needed for specific applications. We are making steadfast advancements in the production of high-quality, reliable biomaterials by integrating expertise across different fields, including manufacturing technology, material science and biology. Once again, integration of knowledge from different areas is key to successful innovations.
More data, greater complexity, targeted impact
With food supplements, we also see a trend towards personalization thanks to the data that can be obtained by phone applications or personal devices, says Catarina. It is increasingly evident that each one of us has a unique health fingerprint. One-size-fits-all health and nutritional solutions may benefit all of us in some areas of general well-being. Peptan collagen peptides, for example, can positively influence the joint health, hair or skin beauty for a wide range of the population. But as we collect more data from more people and delve deeper into health and nutritional mechanisms, we will be able to have far more targeted impact. It’s exciting—and incredibly complex. One thing is clear: with collagen, we are on the brink of many valuable innovations.Related