A Guide to Collagen Sources, Applications and Current Advancements

Abstract

The increase in use of collagen products in almost every sector of utility has stipulated the rising demand for collagen. It is an essential fibrous glycoprotein, which is abundantly present in the extracellular matrix and connective tissues in many living organisms. Owing to its unique characteristics such as biocompatibility, bioavailability and weak antigenicity it has gained major interest in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biomedical and leather industries. The collagen-based composites possess an enhanced capacity to dissipate mechanical energy, strength and stiffness making it the most promising biomolecule for its multifaceted applications. Recently, synthetic biology platforms are getting wide attention for the production of non-native collagen alternatives to meet the rising demand for collagen worldwide. In the initial part, this review aims to explain different sources, structures, biosynthesis of collagen and its types followed by the emerging applications of collagen as a next-generation biomaterial in the later part. The article emphasises the synthesis of non-native collagen using novel expression systems like plant and algae in addition to bacteria and yeast with industrial consideration. In the conclusion section, challenges and opportunities of using synthetic biology tools are described.