Sircol for soluble and insoluble collagen assays!

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.

During periods of rapid growth, development, tissue repair remodeling and wound healing, insoluble collagen fibers are laid down. Until now, an investigator seeking to measure covalent cross linked insoluble collagen required measurements based on free hydroxyproline content, a procedure that requires strong acid (6.0 M HCl), high temperatures (+ 950 C) and overnight cooking (18 to 24 hours).

To avoid working with concentrated acids and wasting time, Biocolor have developed a new assay (based on the Sircol soluble collagen assay) which can measure the insoluble collagen fraction in biological samples.

Insoluble collagen measurements made easy

Prior to the Sircol dye based measurement of collagen, the Sircol Insoluble Collagen Assay uses mild acid and temperature treatment for 2 to 3 hours to denature insoluble collagen fibers and make them measurable with the Sircol dye. With this kit the solubility conversion to denatured collagen and subsequent measurement can be completed within one working day.

By applying both assays, the Sircol Collagen assay and the Sircol INSOLUBLE Collagen Assay, even three collagen fractions can be differentiated:

1. Collagen soluble in cold dilute acid
2. Collagen soluble in cold dilute acid and pepsin
3. Insoluble collagen

Of course, by adding the results together a value for the "Total Collagen" in a sample can be established.

Interested in using Sircol assays or outsourcing them?

If you are interested in measuring total collagen contents of your samples or if you need to differentiate between different collagen fractions, leave your comments and questions below!