Measuring soluble collagen in biological samples is a straightforward experiment which can be done with the Sircol soluble collagen assay using Sirius Red dye (Sircol dye) in a convenient manner (we explored this method in a recent post).  Nevertheless, up to now it has been a challenge to measure insoluble collagen.

Collagen is a structural protein expressed in mammalian tissues (ex. skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilages, blood vessels…).  Together with Elastin and Keratin, Collagen fibres give connective properties to mammalial tissues ensuring their physiological form but also firmness, strength and flexibility. Needless to say, Collagen is trendy… a simple search in Google using the term “Collagen” clearly shows the economical dimension of this protein in well-being.