Collagen represents 60% of the body’s dry weight, It is part of all connective tissue, from the membranes of the eyes, to the fibrous material of the bones. There are 29 types of collagen. The most common type, Type I Collagen is part of the skin, tendons and bones.
WHAT MAKES COLLAGEN TYPE I ESSENTIAL IN THE WOUND HEALING PROCESS?
Collagen absorbs exudate from wounds thus keeping the wound. Intact Type I Collagen also binds several proteases and inflammatory cytokines i.e. neutrophil elastase, MMP-2, Interleukin IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β which are present in exudates from chronic wounds.
Additionally, collagen provides a matrix for cell growth, leading to
- a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts,
- increases the deposition of guided and organized collagen fibers
- assists in the assimilation and bioavailability of fibronectin
- helps maintain the chemical microenvironment and thermostatic wound
- inhibits or deactivates excessive matrix metalloproteinases.